The Rise of Silas Lapham

The story follows Silas Lapham, a materialistic businessman who obtained his wealth suddenly through the success of his paint business, based on a paint mine that he stumbled upon by accident. Moving from rural Vermont to Boston, a bustling port, Silas and his family must attempt to spend their newfound money in a way that conforms to society's fashionable expectations. The novel begins with Silas as the recipient of an interview with Bartley Hubbard, a popular yet morally dubious journalist. This interview serves as an introduction to and comment on Silas' naïve but well-meaning attitude, as well as his boasting about the new money he has acquired from the paint business. The novel then continues with an introduction to Silas' background and family life, which sets up a parallel plot line regarding Lapham's private life that contrasts with the politics of his failing business. Silas has two daughters: the elder Penelope, who is level-headed and intelligent, and the younger Irene, who is emotionally frivolous yet domestically practical. Silas and his wife Persis fell into new wealth after discovering a paint mine on their New England farm, after which they moved to Boston. Despite now having money, the Laphams know neither proper Boston social etiquette, nor what to buy or how to act.