The Custom of the Country

by Edith Wharton

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The Custom of the Country Questions and Answers

What does Undine's name mean? In relation to the theme of the novel

How does Ralph Marvell come across as a character in The Custom of the Country? Is he to blame for losing his money and his son?

What is a character analysis of Undine Spragg?

Does Undine fall in love with Elmer Moffatt when they live in Apex City?

In chapter 19 of The Custom of the Country, what is the tone of the passage?

What kinds of narrative techniques are used? What are the distinctive features of the language?

Could you help me understand what is going on in these sentences from chapter 17 of The Custom of the Country? "He seemed to fish his answer from the same rusty depths, for as his fingers closed about the trinket he said: 'Yes, the heated term is trying in New York. That's why the Fresh Air Fund pulled my last dollar out of me last week.' "

Does The Custom of the Country use free indirect speech?

What does that mean by "chafing dish art" which was commented on Popple's art by Laura Fairford? 

What are the distinctive features of language used in chapter 20 of The Custom of the Country? How do they impact the reader?

I am writing a paper on The Custom of the Country on Undine's lack of maternal instincts; I want to incorporate close reading of passages on missing Paul's birthday, leaving toddler Paul and Ralph for a trip to Europe and blackmailing Ralph using Paul. Please help me elaborate my thesis and support it. Also, please let me know if there are any other passages or themes/ideas I should be looking at as I need to produce 6 pages. Thanks!  

In chapter XIX, in what ways is dialogue and thoughts presented?

In chapter XIX - What kind are the distinctive features of the language?

In chapter 19 of The Custom of the Country, in what ways are the dialogue and thoughts presented?

From whose viewpoint is the story told?

Which line from the selection provides the best evidence that Paul’s mother has remarried more than once?

What are you learning about the culture or time period in which the Custom of the Country is set? How would you read this novel differently if you were living during this time period?

In The Custom of the Country, does Undine change or develop throughout the novel? The development of Undine

Does The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton fit the definition of a novel of manners?

How does Wharton represent the custom of the different classes in "The Custom of the Country"?

In The Custom of the Country, is the ambition and constant dissatisfaction of Undine an expression of her social class and the modern era as a whole?

If we were to analyse the last two pages of chapter 26 of The Custom of the Country, what are the themes, literary devices, and stylistic contrasts?

How does society shape the individual in Wharton's "The Custom of the Country"?

How does undine reflect her society?

Compare The Custom of the Country and Far from the Madding Crowd in terms of narrative technique and use of language.

How does Wharton switch the traditional roles of man and woman through the characters of Undine and Ralph ?

What kinds of narrative techniques are used in the novel The Custom of the Country?

What are the distinctive features of the language in the novel The Custom of the Country?