p Undine Spragg is a beautiful and ambitious, yet vain and socially dense young woman with dreams of marrying a rich man. Hoping for a life of prominence and luxury, Undine convinces her family to relocate to New York. The Spragg family, who have a earned their modest wealth from shady practices, are happy to accommodate Undine's request. When Undine meets Ralph Marvell, an aspiring poet from a family of old New York high society, she is determined to become his wife. After a brief courtship, she gets her wish, however, Undine soon realizes that she is still unsatisfied. Though Ralph is a good husband--kind and doting, he does not have the money to support her extravagant lifestyle. While his family enjoys an elevated social status, it is mainly just reminiscent on a prior generation's wealth Ralph's family does not possess a significant amount of money. Feeling judged by her in-laws and upset that she cannot purchase luxury items, Undine is unhappy in the marriage, feeling even worse