The conclusion of Edith Wharton’s unfinished novel, The Buccaneers, sees Nan St. George choosing a path that deviates from societal expectations and prior romantic entanglements. Instead of marrying a man selected for her social standing or perceived suitability, she ultimately elopes with Guy Thwarte.
This decision is significant because it represents a break from the rigid social constraints that defined the lives of the transatlantic social climbers depicted in the book. It underscores themes of individual agency, the search for genuine connection beyond superficial appearances, and the rebellion against the restrictive roles imposed on women during the Gilded Age. The pursuit of authentic love is prioritized over societal approval.
