The Custom of the Country

Edith Wharton

Nov 2022 · DigiCat

About this ebook

Edith Wharton's 'The Custom of the Country' is a scathing social critique wrapped in a novel. It follows Undine Spragg, a relentless social climber with ambitions to conquer New York City's elite society. As Wharton dissects the intricacies of societal norms and the transformative power of wealth and status, she uses a sharp, Realist narrative style to lay bare the hollowness at the core of the American Dream. This work is set in the broader context of early twentieth-century literature, where it stands out for its incisive examination of gender roles and the commodification of marriage and personal relations. Wharton's prose is at once luminous and foreboding, heralding the complexities of modern American life. As an author, Edith Wharton was uniquely positioned to pen such a novel. Hailing from the very upper class worlds she critiques, Wharton's insider knowledge lends authenticity to her narratives. Her acerbic wit and penetrating social insights might be informed by her own experience as a woman navigating the restrictive norms of her tier in society. This personal vantage point enriches 'The Custom of the Country', making it both a highly personal work and a universal exploration of societal machinations. 'The Custom of the Country' is recommended for readers seeking to understand the American aristocracy's psyche while enjoying a richly textured narrative. Wharton does not merely entertain; she educates, providing a window into the perennial contest between societal expectations and personal ambition. Its core themes resonate with contemporary social dynamics, making it a timeless critique and an essential read for those interested in the evolution of societal mores and the deep currents that shape human behavior in the quest for status and fulfillment.

About the author

Edith Wharton, née Edith Newbold Jones, was an American novelist, short story writer, and designer born on January 24, 1862, into a wealthy and distinguished New York family. She broke away from the tightly regulated society of her upbringing to forge a path as a leading literary figure. Wharton's narrative style is characterized by her sharp wit, incisive social critique, and keen insight into her characters' psychological depth. Her work often centers around the theme of society and the constraints it places on individuals, particularly women. Among her numerous and celebrated works, 'The Custom of the Country' stands out as a notable example, painting a satirical and unflattering portrait of the American upper class through the experiences of its protagonist, Undine Spragg. This novel, along with 'The Age of Innocence' for which Wharton became the first woman to win a Pulitzer Prize in Literature, and 'Ethan Frome', secured her place as an important figure in American literary history. Her literary contributions extended to over forty books, including novels, short stories, poetry, and non-fiction. Wharton's legacy continues to influence writers and is a subject of scholarly study that acknowledges her as a preeminent voice in the American realist tradition. She died on August 11, 1937, but her work endures, testifying to the intellect and skill of this significant author.