Character Analysis Undine Spragg and Elmer Moffat

Edith Wharton is well known for her vivid descriptions of wealthy, upper class New York society and their old-fashioned mores. The Custom of the Country illustrates not only the strict values of ‘old money, from which Wharton herself descended, but, also, the variance in customs held by those with new money, as well as those from other states and abroad. Two of the novels main characters that attempt to join this society exemplify the conflicts they face as their imbedded small-town, yet, somewhat modern values clash with those of New York society, further demonstrating the shift of values in American society near the end of the Gilded Age. As Undine Spragg and her family move to New York in hopes of securing a fortune and social status†¦show more content†¦Like her second husband, Raymond de Chelles family held titles, property, and possessions worth money; however, their lifestyles were much less than ostentatious. Undine wanted grandiose surroundings and to hob-knob w ith all the social elite. Regrettably, this was not going to be apart of her future with Chelles, nor would her past behavior be tolerated with her new husband. It seemed as though Undine had finally been beat. However, when she reunited with Elmer Moffat, her first, yet short-lived husband and first love, Undine came back to life as she heard of his success amongst New York society, as well as, and more importantly, his worth. Unlike Undine, Elmer Moffat had no existing family fortune to rely on, however small or insignificant compared to that of New York society. He made his way to New York and began to build a name for himself, by himself. Although some of his methods in acquiring social status included his using information against people, he somehow emerges appearing loyal to those he cares about, including Undine. As little as Wharton really elaborates on Moffats acquiring wealth, his business dealings appear on the up and up, and so he climbs the social ladder and the elite b egin to utter his name and wonder who the refaced man is. While Undine used her beauty to capture her desires, Moffat uses his acquaintances and business sense to gain his. As the novel unfolds, Moffat appears and disappears, yet remains a constant