The Rise of Silas Lapham · Chapter
Chapter XXIII explained
Silas Lapham confesses to his wife Persis that he lost money through stock market speculation, initially drawn in by Milton Rogers.
What happens
Silas Lapham confesses to his wife Persis that he lost money through stock market speculation, initially drawn in by Milton Rogers. Persis, relieved it is not a worse secret, forgives him. Lapham also deals with the Millon women, who confront him at his office for money, and he firmly dismisses them. Tom Corey offers to invest $30,000 in Lapham's business, but Lapham refuses, citing increased reasons against it.
Themes in this chapter
Honesty and Deception
Lapham confesses his secret stock market losses to his wife, revealing the deception he had maintained.
Social Class and Mobility
Tom Corey's offer to invest in Lapham's business highlights the intersection of old money and new money, and the risks of social climbing.
Morality and Business Ethics
Lapham's refusal of Corey's investment and his handling of the Millon women reflect his moral struggles in business dealings.
Characters to notice
- Silas Lapham
Confesses his stock market losses to his wife and deals with the Millon women's confrontation at his office; refuses Tom Corey's investment offer.
- Mrs. Lapham
Listens to Lapham's confession, forgives him, and shows tacit kindness afterward.
- Tom Corey
Offers to invest $30,000 in Lapham's business; defends Lapham's character to Walker regarding the Millon incident.
- Zerrilla Millon
Brings her mother to confront Lapham for money; later asks Lapham for help with her father's drinking.
- Mrs. Millon
Confronts Lapham at his office demanding money for rent and food; is ordered to leave.
- Walker
Discusses the Millon incident with Corey at lunch, showing curiosity about Lapham's affairs.
Key passages
“I got into it through Milton K. Rogers.”
Lapham blames Milton Rogers for drawing him into stock market speculation.
Lapham explains the origin of his financial troubles to his wife.
“I want to put some money into the business.”
Tom Corey offers to invest thirty thousand dollars in Lapham's paint company.
Corey proposes a financial partnership to help Lapham's struggling business.
“I guess I shan't change my mind about taking you into the business in that way.”
Lapham refuses Corey's investment offer, citing stronger reasons against it now.
Lapham declines Corey's proposal, maintaining his earlier stance.