# II explained — The Rise of Silas Lapham

> Chapter companion for The Rise of Silas Lapham by William Dean Howells.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rise_of_silas_lapham_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rise_of_silas_lapham_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rise_of_silas_lapham_se/chapters