The Rise of Silas Lapham

William Dean Howells' 1885 novel, The Rise of Silas Lapham tells the story of its protagonist's materialistic aspirations; his rise from rags to riches. Despite making a fortune in business, Silas feels he lacks social position; he banks on the marriage of his daughter to an aristocratic family to change this. But Silas faces a moral quandary when his business partner suggests dodgy business dealings.