Chapter I Summary

The novel "The Rise of Silas Lapham" is the story of a man's rise to high moral standards even as his prosperity diminishes and he finds himself facing financial ruin. The side themes of a mistaken love, the construction and destruction of an expensive home and the bad dealings of a former partner are among the subplots that are woven masterfully into the main theme of the novel. Through all of their troubles, the Lapham family manages to stay together and stay strong in their family bonds. Even though they lose their money and physical possessions, they maintain their dignity.

Chapter I opens as Bartley Hubbard, reporter for "The Events" meets Lapham in Lapham's private office for a newspaper interview. Hubbard will be writing an article about Lapham for the paper's Solid Men of Boston series. Lapham shares with the reporter...