Why It Matters Today
The Rise of Silas Lapham explores themes of social mobility, integrity, and the American Dream, all of which are still relevant in today’s discussions about class, honesty, and success.
Modern Connections
Big Ideas
The pursuit of the American Dream can lead to moral compromise.
Getting rich and climbing the social ladder sometimes makes people forget what’s right or wrong.
True worth is more than wealth.
Having money doesn’t automatically make you a good or happy person.
Society judges based on appearances and status, often unfairly.
People tend to judge others by how rich or fancy they seem, not who they really are.
What You'll Learn
- How social status and wealth influence personal integrity and morality.
- The historical context of American societal values in the late 19th century.
Reader Fit
✅ Good For
- Readers interested in American history and social class.
- Fans of character-driven stories and psychological insights.
⚠ Not Ideal For
- Those looking for fast-paced plot-driven stories.
- Readers who dislike old-fashioned language or settings.
Controversies & Critiques
- Some modern critics argue that Howells’ depiction of social mobility is overly idealistic about American opportunities.
Reading Context
Before Reading
- Familiarity with the Gilded Age and American economic history.
After Reading
- Exploration of contemporary American social mobility and class issues.
Similar Books
Appeals to fans of: Psychological fiction, Social realism, Character studies
Classification Details
Author
William Dean Howells
Published
1885
Language
English
Subjects
Psychological fiction, Domestic fiction, Boston (Mass.) -- Fiction, Rich people -- Fiction, Socialites -- Fiction
Curated Collections
This book appears in these curated collections:
