The Rise Of Silas Lapham

The social class difference portrayed throughout this book is a very prominent part of the book. Also how the NEW money is shown verses the OLD money. Silas is being foiled by Bromfield as a way to show old vs new. Silas has worked very hard to earn all of his money. It has said multiple times throughout the book that he doesn't even take vacation. And that the older he gets the more he works to try to earn money. Whereas Bromfield has never worked a real day in his life. His is lazy, and when his father asked him what he would like to do for work he said "I would like to travel." Another difference between these two men is how they view each other. Bromfield looks down upon Silas, but at the same time is interested to meet him because his on is so involved with him. Silas doesnt like Bromfield at the start, yet he very much so wants to meet him. Shown as once they meet Silas is very keen on meeting him again. Another old vs new money thing is how their money is spent. The old money is more conservative and is so used to having money they dont even have to think about how much money they have. They just buy things that fit into their lifestyle. The new money is the opposite. New money is not conservative, doesnt know how to spend their money well, and is so not used to having money that they brag about their wealth. The class difference is also shown in the areas the men live in. How their daughters act and are educated and also where they send there family during the summer months. Little side not if people think NEW vs OLD money is not an issue anymore and class doesn't matter. They should go to certain parts of Boston or upstate New York or as a matter of fact most places on the east coast. Because these things still very much exist.