About this episode
This episode explores the life of Undine Sprague as depicted by Edith Wharton in her novel, highlighting themes of ambition and societal status.
Edith Wharton, a masterful chronicler of late 19th Century New York Society, invites readers into the tumultuous life of Undine Sprague in this captivating novel. A beautiful and ambitious socialite from Apex City, Undine navigates the complexities of love, marriage, and ambition as she climbs the social ladder from New York to France, leaving a trail of broken hearts and shattered lives in her quest for happiness. Join us as we explore Whartons incisive commentary on the pursuit of status and the human condition. (Summary by Karen Merline)
People in this episode
Host: Edith Wharton
Topics covered
- social climbing
- love and marriage
- 19th Century society
- ambition
- human condition
Keywords
- Edith Wharton
- Undine Sprague
- New York Society
- socialite
- 19th Century
- ambition
- love
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Apex City
Books & works: Custom of the Country
Places: New York, France
More episodes of Custom of the Country
- 046 - Chapter 46 · March 3, 2026 · 27 min
- 046 - Chapter 46 · March 3, 2026 · 27 min
- 045 - Chapter 45 · March 2, 2026 · 14 min
- 045 - Chapter 45 · March 2, 2026 · 14 min
- 044 - Chapter 44 · March 1, 2026 · 16 min
- 043 - Chapter 43 · February 28, 2026 · 14 min
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