"A New York divorce is in itself a diploma of virtue"

In this quote, Edith Wharton is suggesting that going through a divorce in New York signifies ethical strength and stability. In a society where divorce is frequently stigmatized and viewed as a failure, Wharton is challenging this concept by implying that the act of ending a marital relationship in New York, a city known for its hectic and fierce nature, requires a particular level of nerve and resilience. By referring to it as a "diploma of virtue," Wharton is elevating divorce to a symbol of personal development and empowerment, instead of a mark of shame. This quote highlights the intricacies and subtleties of divorce and obstacles societal standards and expectations surrounding it.