The Rise of Silas Lapham: A Quick Read edition

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This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 12 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 23 minutes

"The Rise of Silas Lapham" is a realist novel by William Dean Howells, published in 1885. The story follows Silas Lapham's journey from poverty to wealth and his struggle with moral choices. Silas becomes rich in the paint business but lacks social standing, which he hopes to gain through his daughter's marriage into an aristocratic family. However, Silas remains morally upright and refuses to engage in unethical business practices. The novel explores themes of American realism and critiques sentimental romantic novels. The plot revolves around a love triangle between Irene Lapham, Tom Corey, and Penelope Lapham. Silas and his wife, Persis, also face conflicts over their treatment of others and financial setbacks. Ultimately, the Laphams lose their wealth and return to a modest life. The novel was serialized in The Century Magazine and is considered a significant example of literary realism.