The Psychology of Undine Spragg | The Custom of the Country | Summary and Q&A

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January 26, 2020
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The Psychology of Undine Spragg | The Custom of the Country

TL;DR

Undine Spragg, the anti-heroine in Edith Wharton's "The Custom of the Country," is a self-absorbed and materialistic character who strives to climb the social ladder in New York City.

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Key Insights

  • 🛟 The character of Undine Spragg serves as a critique of societal expectations and materialism.
  • 🖤 Undine's upbringing and lack of boundaries contribute to her self-absorbed and entitled behavior.
  • ❓ The novel explores the consequences of prioritizing wealth and social status over genuine connections and personal growth.
  • 😆 Undine's inability to be satisfied reveals the emptiness of a life driven solely by material possessions.
  • 🛃 Edith Wharton's social commentary highlights the flaws and consequences of the customs and expectations of New York society.
  • 🤑 Undine's psychology highlights the importance of teaching children the value of money and setting boundaries.
  • 🪘 Undine's pursuit of admiration and validation exposes the superficiality of the society she longs to be a part of.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How does Undine's desire for social status affect her relationships?

Undine's obsession with social standing and wealth causes her to prioritize material gain over genuine connections, leading to strained relationships and a lack of fulfillment.

Q: How does Undine's upbringing contribute to her entitlement?

Undine's father constantly gives in to her demands, leading her to believe that she always deserves whatever she wants, resulting in her entitled behavior.

Q: Why does Undine marry Ralph Marvell if she is not genuinely attracted to him?

Undine marries Ralph because he possesses the social status and family name she desires, but their marriage is ultimately unfulfilling due to her materialistic mindset.

Q: How does Undine's inability to be satisfied impact her life?

Undine is never satisfied with what she has, always striving for more, leading to a constant feeling of discontent and a lack of fulfillment in her life.

Summary & Key Takeaways

  • Undine Spragg, a young and beautiful woman, moves from her small hometown to New York City in search of social status and wealth.

  • She is initially portrayed as impressionable and self-absorbed, constantly seeking attention and validation from others.

  • Undine's upbringing, which involves always getting what she wants, contributes to her materialistic and entitled behavior.

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