The Rise of Silas Lapham: A Classic American Novel of Wealth, Ambition, and the American Dream

The Rise of Silas Lapham

by William Dean Howells

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2303 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	352 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Rise of Silas Lapham is a classic American novel by William Dean Howells. First published in 1885, the novel tells the story of Silas Lapham, a self-made millionaire who rises from poverty to become one of the richest men in Boston. The novel explores the themes of wealth, ambition, and the American Dream, and is considered one of the masterpieces of American literature.

Plot summary

Silas Lapham is a self-made millionaire who has risen from poverty to become one of the richest men in Boston. He is a hard-working and ambitious man, but he is also flawed and often makes mistakes. Lapham is a proud man, and he is determined to prove himself to the upper class of Boston society. However, his efforts to do so often backfire, and he ends up alienating both his old friends and his new acquaintances.

Lapham's wife, Irene, is a kind and intelligent woman who is more practical than her husband. She tries to temper his ambition, but he often ignores her advice. Lapham's daughter, Penelope, is a beautiful and talented young woman who attracts the attention of several wealthy suitors. However, she is not interested in marrying for money, and she eventually marries a poor artist.

The Rise of Silas Lapham is a complex and nuanced novel that explores the themes of wealth, ambition, and the American Dream. Howells does not offer any easy answers to these questions, but he does provide a thought-provoking and insightful look at the American character.

Characters

• Silas Lapham: A self-made millionaire who rises from poverty to become one of the richest men in Boston. He is a hard-working and ambitious man, but he is also flawed and often makes mistakes.
• Irene Lapham: Silas's wife. She is a kind and intelligent woman who is more practical than her husband. She tries to temper his ambition, but he often ignores her advice.
• Penelope Lapham: Silas and Irene's daughter. She is a beautiful and talented young woman who attracts the attention of several wealthy suitors. However, she is not interested in marrying for money, and she eventually marries a poor artist.
• Tom Corey: A young artist who falls in love with Penelope. He is a talented and ambitious man, but he is also poor. He eventually marries Penelope, and they have a happy and fulfilling life together.
• Bromfield Corey: Tom's father. He is a wealthy and influential man who disapproves of Penelope's marriage to Tom. However, he eventually comes to accept their marriage.

Themes

• Wealth: The Rise of Silas Lapham explores the complex relationship between wealth and happiness. Silas Lapham is a wealthy man, but he is not always happy. He is constantly striving for more, and he is never satisfied with what he has. His pursuit of wealth ultimately leads to his downfall.
• Ambition: The Rise of Silas Lapham also explores the theme of ambition. Silas Lapham is a very ambitious man. He is determined to succeed, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. However, his ambition often leads him to make mistakes. He is so focused on his goals that he often ignores the needs of his family and friends.
• The American Dream: The Rise of Silas Lapham is a classic American novel that explores the American Dream. Silas Lapham is a self-made millionaire who has achieved the American Dream. However, he is not always sure if it was worth it. He has sacrificed a lot to achieve his goals, and he wonders if it was all worth it in the end.

The Rise of Silas Lapham is a classic American novel that is still relevant today. The novel explores the complex themes of wealth, ambition, and the American Dream. Howells does not offer any easy answers to these questions, but he does provide a thought-provoking and insightful look at the American character.

If you are interested in reading a classic American novel, then I highly recommend The Rise of Silas Lapham. It is a well-written and engaging novel that will stay with you long after you finish it.

The Rise of Silas Lapham

by William Dean Howells

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2303 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	352 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE