The Custom of the Country: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Custom of the Country" is a novel that explores the ambitions and social dynamics of its characters, particularly through the lens of Undine Spragg, a young woman driven by a desire for wealth and status. Undine's beauty and insatiable ambition allow her to navigate her way through four marriages, each more financially advantageous than the last. Her first husband, Elmer Moffatt, is a brash figure whose initial marriage to Undine ends in divorce, yet he later becomes her fourth husband after amassing great wealth. Ralph Marvell, Undine's second husband, is ultimately disillusioned by her relentless pursuit of material gain, leading to his tragic end. The narrative also introduces Raymond de Chelles, a French nobleman who becomes Undine's third husband but is discarded once he no longer meets her desires. Other notable characters include Jim Driscoll, an ambassador to England whom Undine aspires to marry, and Peter Van Degen, her lover who leaves her upon learning of her cruel treatment of Ralph. The relationships among these characters highlight themes of ambition, societal expectations, and personal integrity, making the story a rich study of early 20th-century American social life.
The Custom of the Country: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Edith Wharton
First published: 1913
Genre: Novel
Locale: New York City and Paris
Plot: Social realism
Time: Late nineteenth century
Undine Spragg (uhn-DEEN sprag), an insatiably ambitious young woman whose beauty gains for her a place in society, four marriages, each more materially profitable than the last, and, finally, a desire for a fifth marriage to which she cannot attain because of her divorces.
Elmer Moffatt, Undine's vulgar, outspoken first husband. Forced by Undine's parents to get a divorce early in his marriage, Moffatt goes to New York, where he becomes a significant financial figure. Later, as one of the richest men in the city, he remarries Undine and becomes her fourth husband.
Ralph Marvell, Undine's second husband. Disillusioned by his wife's ruthless desire for money and her insatiable social ambitions, he takes his own life.
Raymond de Chelles (shehl), a French comte and Undine's third husband. When he begins to neglect her, she divorces him and remarries the now-wealthy Moffatt.
Jim Driscoll, American ambassador to England and an old society acquaintance of Undine. She aspires to become his wife.
Peter Van Degen, Undine's lover, who deserts her in Paris when he learns of her callous treatment of Ralph.
Paul Marvell, son of Undine and Ralph.
Laura Fairford, Ralph's sister.
Clare Dagonet (da-goh-NAY), Ralph's cousin and the wife of Peter Van Degen.
Mr. Spragg, Undine's father. He is forced by Moffatt to invest money to further Moffatt's early financial career.