is a scathing yet poignant exploration of the "modern" marriage and the collateral damage it inflicts on the next generation. Unlike traditional romances, this story uses its romantic subplots to highlight the instability of high-society relationships in the early 20th century.

: Wharton uses the supporting cast to illustrate the "compromises and promiscuities of modern life". The romantic storylines here are rarely happy; they are often transactional, bored, or fleeting, serving as a foil to the genuine, selfless love the children have for one another. Key Takeaway

: The heart of the book lies in the seven Wheater children, who have formed a tight-knit "clan" to protect themselves from their parents' constant divorces and remarriages. Their relationship is the most stable and "romantic" in its devotion, though it is platonic. They are led by Judith, a teenage girl who has essentially become the mother figure for her siblings.