Analysis of William Dean Howell's "The Rise of Silas Lapham"

Analytical Essay # 1275

Literature > American

An analysis of the extent to which William Dean Howell applies his theory of fiction to his own novel.

1,485 words () | 3 sources | 2000 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at Howell's novel "The Rise of Silas Lapham" in terms of his theories about the importance of realism in fiction and analyzes the extent to which he follows his own theory.

From the Paper:

"William Dean Howells played a pivotal role in the evolution of American fiction, for his work served as bridge between the traditional romantic notions of earlier novelists and an emerging realism in American literature that was soon to blossom. Howells balked against the whimsical adventures portrayed by his compatriots; Cooper's heros in The Last of the Mohicans and Melville's romantic quest in Moby Dick seemed too fanciful to the more realistic Howells. He saw these exotic tales as childish and felt true literary craftsmanship should realistically emphasize character development through commonplace events. In essence, art should imitate life."

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APA Citation:

Analysis of William Dean Howell's "The Rise of Silas Lapham" (2012, January 15). Retrieved February 10, 2012, from http://www.academon.com/Analytical-Essay-Analysis-of-William-Dean-Howell's-The-Rise-of-Silas-Lapham/1275

MLA Citation:

"Analysis of William Dean Howell's "The Rise of Silas Lapham"" 15 January 2012. Web. 10 Feb. 2012. <http://www.academon.com/Analytical-Essay-Analysis-of-William-Dean-Howell's-The-Rise-of-Silas-Lapham/1275>