The Real Housewives: Undine Spragg
Edith Wharton’s Custom of the Country, foretold present day reality TV shows. Undine Spragg is a spoiled and desperate social climber. She comes from New Money, which explains her lack of knowledge and class. Her show would probably get a million views because she’s entertaining to watch/read about. I’m not a fan of her, but being a girl, I can sympathize with her wanting to be the baddest girl in the room. She has this constant hunger for attention and she doesn’t know when to stop. Although she’s not a likable character, she catches on pretty fast on ironic jokes made by the New Money gang. Her ambition allowed her to learn quickly and follow trends.
I don’t understand why Ralph thinks she’s bae material, she doesn’t seem like a great person. So what if she’s impressionable? I’m sure he can find a better girl. I guess they’re good together as a couple since no one really likes Ralph either. After reading that chapter, he seems like he was bad in bed and Undine doesn’t even have the decency to pretend that she had fun.
2 responses so far
I agree with your view of Undine, and with your comparison to modern day reality TV. To me she is like a Kardashian in the early 2000’s. While many say that the Kardashians don’t have any talent they were only famous because of the TV show. While they may have their similarities (in being spoiled) they are also very different, while the Kardashians can argue yes they became famous because of the show but after they became famous they started their own projects in which they spent their time and effort into making. They have a clothing and cosmetic line and one of them even work now as a model which is still work. Unlike Undine who doesn’t even have to take care of her own kid, and no one can say that Kim doesn’t take care of her kids. I also agree with you on wanting to feel like the baddest bitch in the room, but unlike everyone else Undine she doesn’t like that she cant be it all the time and that feeds into her constant need for attention.
That’s a great comparison. I never thought about how Undine would be portrayed in this day and age. But you hit the nail on the head by comparing her to today’s reality tv shows. If we followed Undine on the big screen rather than on paper it would have probably made me dislike her even more. With the constant whining and the need for attention, who can possibly watch something that annoying and think of it as a form of entertainment. I certainly cannot. I can also relate to her wanting to be the “baddest one in the room”. And to be honest I think most people would love to be the center of attention, just in a good way.