The Rise of Silas Lapham · Chapter
II explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Lapham and Irene recount their encounter with the Corey family in Canada, sparking a discussion about social standing and ambition. Silas Lapham reveals he owns land on Beacon Street, and the couple debates building a new house there, reflecting their growing desire for social advancement.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Mobility
The Laphams grapple with their social standing, feeling the sting of the Coreys' polite condescension and considering building on Beacon Street to improve their position.
Marriage and Family Dynamics
Silas and Persis Lapham discuss their daughters' future and social prospects, revealing their shared concern and differing perspectives on ambition.
Appearance vs. Reality
The Coreys' polite manners mask a subtle condescension, and the Laphams' wealth does not automatically grant them social acceptance.
Characters to notice
- Silas Lapham
Discusses the Corey family with his wife, reveals he owns land on Beacon Street, and considers building a new house.
- Mrs. Lapham
Reports on the Corey family's manners and social status, and expresses concern about their daughters' social prospects.
- Irene Lapham
Accompanies her mother in Canada and is the object of Tom Corey's attention; her mother notes his behavior toward her.
- Penelope Lapham
Mentioned as having an odd taste for reading and taking private lessons; the family is amazed at her intellectual pursuits.
- Tom Corey
Son of the Corey family; he is grateful to the Laphams and attentive to both Mrs. Lapham and Irene.
- Bartley Hubbard
Dropped off by Lapham at the Events building at the start of the chapter.
Key passages
“Well, I can tell you, that if you think they were not the nicest people you ever saw, you're mightily mistaken. They had about the best manners; and they had been everywhere, and knew everything.”
Mrs. Lapham insists to her husband that the Corey family is exceptionally refined and well-traveled.
Highlights Mrs. Lapham's admiration for the Coreys' social polish and her own insecurity.
“I could buy him and sell him, twice over.”
Silas Lapham boasts that his wealth far exceeds that of Mr. Corey.
Reveals Lapham's pride in his financial success and his belief that money equals status.
“There's got to be something besides money, I guess.”
Mrs. Lapham suggests that social acceptance requires more than just wealth.
Foreshadows the theme that old money and manners are valued over new money in Boston society.