Considered one of Wharton's best novels, THE CUSTOM OF THE COUNTRY marks her return to the satiric tone of THE HOUSE OF MIRTH. Through the Marvell family, Wharton illustrates how a corrupt society distorts character and identity. She follows Ralph Marvell, bored, rich, and utterly passive, who spends his family's modest inheritance to strive for happiness. Wharton distinguishes between the old guard, full of dignity, and the nouveau riche Spragg family, who are unscrupulous in their dealings.