The Rise of Silas Lapham Literary Analysis Essay Sample

They serve to achieve social stratification, establish certain relationship dynamics that help the plot unravel, and build the novel upon a certain context. 

As a dialogic novel, heteroglossia in the novel accentuates the class difference of Lapham’s in opposition to Corey’s. Bakhtin explains heteroglossia as “the plurality of discourse produced by the interweaving of different registers in the text of the novel” he adds “such voices are ideologically saturated; they represent a social position, a way of viewing the world” Lapham’s incorrect grammar use of words such as “hain’t, ain’t, wan’t” makes the reader aware of his rural origins. Since education and reading are associated with being civilized in the novel, “All civilization comes through literature now, especially in our country.” (Howells 118) the contrast between Silas’ and Bromfield’s discourse represents the class confrontation between the two families. Although Silas is now rich, his vernacular language followed him to the Boston elite society. In contrast to his, Bromfield’s rich vocabulary and complex discourse display his aristocracy. New money and old money are juxtapositioned. Furthermore, it proves Bakhtin’s point that the discourse in the novel is ideological. But the juxtaposition is not solely made between two families. Irene is a foil character, contrasting her sister Penelope. Irene is the younger sister who likes to dress up and look pretty, whereas older sister Penelope enjoys reading and focused on her self-improvement. With this juxtaposition, the social stratification that Bakhtin talks about in “The Discourse in the Novel” becomes apparent even in the Lapham family. 

Another Bakhtinian term is the polyphony which is “when this plurality of voices is embraced and welcomed into the novel; where all kinds of languages and world views are accorded equal status by the novelist.” In the novel, two family and their voices are not clashing, they are being confronted. The narrator does not favor one over the other, he is detached from them. Although most of the book relies on dialogues for the narrative, the narrator, the third person omniscient point of view, gives insights into the thoughts and emotions of the characters. So, their behaviors are not merely observed from a third-person point of view, but each character has their perspective which is valid and represented in the novel. 

The different discourse dynamics also serve the plot. Silas and Persis’ blunt discourse later will bring about the fall of Silas. Persis is not afraid to show Silas’ mistakes, and she serves as moral guidance for him. She is particularly adamant about her view regarding the incident with Rogers. She thinks Silas wronged Rogers by forcing him out before earning big money and insists he makes amends with Rogers which he does by lending him money. This atonement brought about the downfall of his business and the rise of his morality.  

Another term that Bakhtin put forth is chronotope. Chronotope can be explained as the unity of time and space in the novel that helps the reader to envision the novel in a light. The novel takes place in New England during the gilded age when rapid economic growth took place. This economic expansion triggered rapid changes in people’s social circumstances. It was also after the civil war, where Silas became colonel. As Bakhtin suggests, this time and setting context are significant for the novel. Howells establishes a certain relevant environment upon this historical context. 

And lastly, another of Bakhtin’s key terms carnivalization can be seen in chapter 24 and onwards. Carnivalization can be explained as disruption of authority and introducing alternatives. Identifying Silas’ efforts to be high class “Bostonian” as an authorial figure, him burning down the house and going bankrupt can be described as him breaking free of this authority. He returns to live a closer version of his previous rural life and does not care about the Bostonian elite society which he tried to be a part of. His social aspirations that have been constraining him are no longer in charge. Although the root of this carnivalization is up for debate, it is more likely that Silas burned the house deliberately to free himself and his family.