The Custom of the Country

Ralph Marvell is a descendant of the Dagonet family, an old and historic name in New York high society. Ralph differs from his family in significant ways. He prefers to explore intellectual pursuits than marriage and sees that his family’s way of life will soon be extinct. Despite this rebellious spirit, Ralph is very much a product of his upbringing. He was never taught to earn money, so his work ethic is confined to his own reading and writing. He falls for Undine because he wants to save her, which demonstrates his internalization of gender norms. When Undine stresses him out financially, Ralph attempts to learn business and earn money to avoid frank conversations with his wife about their financial situation. Ralph is devoted to his son Paul and loves Undine even when she’s cruel to him. He works himself to pneumonia yet shows Undine kindness even when she leaves him for Peter Van Degen. To save her public embarrassment, he doesn’t pursue full custody of Paul, which enables Undine to extort money from Ralph by using their son as a pawn. This highlights Ralph’s naivete; he sees the best in people even when they continuously show him their lack of goodness. Ralph’s death by suicide is tragic and symbolizes the pressures of American capitalism and notions of masculinity.

Elmer Moffatt exemplifies American capitalist ingenuity. Elmer comes from nothing; compared to the other men in Undine’s life, his family history is untraceable because it’s unimportant. Elmer hustles to make a living and takes advantage of the naivete of the uber-rich. His entrepreneurship emphasizes the changing scape of the American economy. First Families are no longer necessary when stock markets, Western Expansion, and the Industrial Revolution make the earning of wealth more equitable. Elmer is pragmatic and savvy, but he’s not as cruel as Undine. Elmer’s ambition is achievable because he’s a man who’s not tied to family name. His freedom in his male privilege allows him to burn bridges and rebuild them. Ultimately, Elmer is the ideal partner for Undine because, like her, he has insatiable desires.

Raymond de Chelles represents the cultural differences between American and French societies in the early 20th century. Raymond’s wealth is valuable in that it allows him to preserve his family’s history, because this history represents French history. Raymond attempts to treat Undine as an intellectual equal, until he becomes resigned to her poor attitude. Raymond symbolizes history and integrity, two qualities that Undine doesn’t have or value. Raymond isn’t without his flaws, but he’s kind to Paul, supportive of Undine’s controversial status as a divorcee, and committed to the well-being of the community over the happiness of the individual.