"The Late George Apley"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses John P. Marquand's book entitled, "The Late George Apley." The paper shows how the book highlights an important part of American history, when America was shifting to a more urbanized, industrialized and socially fluid nation. It describes the setting and the times through the main character in the book and the paper suggests that this is what makes the story interesting to read.

From the Paper:

"Although this is a moving statement, at times, when reading the book, it is hard not to wonder why the reader should care about a man who was committed not to changing things, but to keeping things the same. Apley says he was a victim of his environment, a victim of the pleasureless, aristocratic atmosphere where he was brought up. This sounds like a self-serving excuse, although it may also be the product of our own era which sees human life as full of possibilities rather than limitations. Still, the story of Apley's life and death is a compelling introduction to the turn of the century America, and its customs and cultural assumptions, regardless of whether the reader agrees with Apley that he had no choice but to obey the customs and conventions of his parents and social 'equals.'"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Marquand, John P. The Late George Apley. Boston: Back Bay, 2004.

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