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The Use of Architecture in The Rise of Silas Lapham | |
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In this scene, the dinner party at the Corey's house speaks about Silas' new house, the Coreys' house, and architecture in general. |
A side by side comparison of the two families, their houses and decore, and their personal taste as revealed through architecture. |
Information about the authors, edition of text cited in this site, and technical requirements for viewing this site. |
A small collection of links relating to William Dean Howells, The Rise of Silas Lapham, and American Literature in general. |
A central motif in The Rise of Silas Lapham by William Dean Howells is architecture and décor. Operating on several different levels, Howells uses architecture and décor to illustrate many of his themes, centering on the tension between old, established families (the Coreys) and the new fortunes who wish to associate with them (the Laphams). Within this context, Howells is able to illustrate the differences between the two typical families concerning things ranging from personal taste to family history.