"The Custom of the Country" Quiz
"The Custom of the Country" by Edith Wharton explores the ambitious and unscrupulous social climbing of Undine Spragg, a young woman determined to ascend New York's high society at any cost.
classics | 412 pages | Published in 1995
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Test your knowledge about the book "The Custom of the Country". We have come up with 10 quiz questions for the book. Hit play and start testing your knowledge. Each correctly answered question gives one point.
10 questions available
Essay questions
These essay questions are meant to be used as a starting point for your essay or research paper.
- How does the character of Undine Spragg serve as a critique of American society during the early 20th century?
- Discuss the theme of social mobility in 'The Custom of the Country' and how it affects the characters' relationships and decisions.
- Analyze the portrayal of marriage in the novel. How do different characters view marriage, and what does this reveal about their values?
- Examine the role of materialism in the book. How does Undine's pursuit of wealth and status drive the narrative?
- Consider the setting of New York and Paris in the novel. How do these locations influence the characters and the plot?
- Explore the concept of 'custom' in the novel. How do societal expectations shape the characters' lives and choices?
- In what ways does 'The Custom of the Country' reflect Edith Wharton's views on gender roles and feminism?
- Analyze the character development of Undine Spragg. How does she change throughout the novel, and what remains constant?
- How does Edith Wharton use irony in 'The Custom of the Country' to comment on the social elite and their customs?
- Discuss the significance of the title, 'The Custom of the Country.' How does it relate to the main themes of the novel?
- What role does ambition play in the novel, and how does it affect the characters' fates?
- Compare and contrast Undine Spragg with other female characters in the novel. How do their experiences and ambitions differ?
- How does Wharton use secondary characters to enhance the understanding of the main themes in the novel?
