Is Undine an <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/antagonist/">antagonist</a> in this novel? Explain your reasoning, using at least three pieces of evidence from the novel.

What is Wharton’s commentary on Old Wealth and traditional values?

The Custom of the Country is labeled as a “tragicomedy.” In what ways is the novel both tragic and comical? What is significant about this tone?

Literary Area of Study

American Literature

Values & Ideas

Challenging Authority

Social Issues

Class

Society

Community

Relationships

Family

Fiction

Historical Fiction

Marriage

Nation & Nationalism

Popular Book Clubs

Popular Book Club Picks

Power

School Book List Titles

Edith Wharton

Adult

Novel

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Custom of the Country reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Custom of the Country

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Custom of the Country and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Custom of the Country Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-10

The Custom of the Country Chapters 1-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-20

The Custom of the Country Chapters 11-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-34

The Custom of the Country Chapters 21-34 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 35-46

The Custom of the Country Chapters 35-46 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Custom of the Country Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Custom of the Country Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Custom of the Country Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Custom of the Country Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Custom of the Country Essay Topics

The Custom of the Country

Essay Topics

Related Titles

Featured Collections