Sewell might be considered as a spokesman for Howells. His opinions on the purpose of the realistic novel are similar to those of the novelist.
Read more Character Analysis SewellCharacter Analysis Tom
Tom does mean paint first, for he is energetic and career-minded, telling his father that he needs more than marriage to occupy him. His mother and father both recognize that he is not witty but a sympathetic listener to his father’s wit. He has a clear mind which brings practical […]
Read more Character Analysis TomCharacter Analysis Bromfield
Bromfield is the spokesman for the intelligent, aristocratic class, although he says that to his relief he has found himself to be of common clay rather than porcelain. “If I get broken, I can be easily replaced,” he says. His uselessness is not an understatement, for he is not actively […]
Read more Character Analysis BromfieldCharacter Analysis Irene
Irene is the ideal romantic girl — beautiful, unintelligent, and passive. She is like a flower — close to nature and unlearned. Although she becomes stronger after her love affair with Tom Corey is abruptly ended, she is not further developed. Practical enough to know that she must leave home […]
Read more Character Analysis IreneCharacter Analysis Penelope
Penelope represents the witty but plain romantic woman. Like the heroines in popular contemporary novels, she is confronted with the problem of having the man believed to love her sister really in love with her. Also, like these heroines, she attempts to give up the lover in a passionate outburst […]
Read more Character Analysis PenelopeCharacter Analysis Persis
Mrs. Lapham is a Puritan for whom the fire of guilt for sin and spiritual interference in the course of man’s activities has nearly burnt out. She tells Silas that she does not believe in the Lord interfering a great deal, but when he makes Rogers a loan she feels […]
Read more Character Analysis PersisCharacter Analysis Silas
As a tragic comic hero, Silas finds in his middle age that he cannot attain his romantic but impossible social aspiration. His comic traits do not make him a comical butt, and his tragic downfall does not make him an actual hero; but, instead, he is a man much like […]
Read more Character Analysis SilasSummary and Analysis Chapter XXVII
Lapham sells the South End home and moves back to the farm. The West Virginians confess they cannot produce a fine grade of paint like the Persis Brand; they let Silas handle this part of the enterprise after buying the mines and works at Lapham. This purchase relieves Lapham of […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter XXVIISummary and Analysis Chapter XXVI
Persis goes to his office only to discover that the typist is Zerrilla Millon Dewey, the daughter of the man who saved her husband’s life. The misunderstanding resolved, she returns home to spend the day in self-reproach, wondering if Silas will ever return. Finally, she sends a note to Tom […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter XXVISummary and Analysis Chapter XXV
Not giving the agents an answer, Silas returns home and finds Rogers there trying to convince Persis that the mills must be sold to save his family from poverty; if the mills are sold at the price the English offer, Rogers will be able to completely repay Silas and have […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter XXV