# Dean Silva — Arrowsmith character guide

> Dean Silva in Arrowsmith by Sinclair Lewis.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Silva, Dad Silva

**First appearance:** 0003-i

## Who they are

The kindly dean of the medical school at Mohalis.

## Relationships

### [Martin Arrowsmith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/characters/martin_arrowsmith)

_professional_

Dean Silva is the kindly, old-fashioned dean of medical school who offers Martin guidance and tries to steer him toward a conventional medical career.

### [Martin Arrowsmith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/characters/martin_arrowsmith)

_professional_

Dean Silva is the kindly, old-fashioned dean of medical school who offers Martin guidance and tries to steer him toward a conventional medical career.

### [Martin Arrowsmith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/characters/martin_arrowsmith)

_professional_

Dean Silva is the kindly, old-fashioned dean of medical school who offers Martin guidance and tries to steer him toward a conventional medical career.

## In the story

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv)

Mentioned by Gottlieb as someone who did not appreciate his dark humor about releasing pathogenic germs.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii)

Seen at the dance surrounded by pretty girls and distinguished-looking women, talking with Angus Duer.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/i)

Dean Silva, also known as Dad Silva, is a compassionate professor of internal medicine whom Martin admires.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv)

Hosts the banquet and deals with the Carr scandal.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii)

Lectures Martin and suspends him for his behavior and association with Clif Clawson.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/i)

Welcomes Martin back, offers guidance, and encourages him toward a practical medical career.

### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/ii)

Takes Martin and Leora to dinner, encouraging Martin to be an 'Artist Healer' rather than a laboratory man.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iv)

Receives Gottlieb's insulting letter, prefers charges against him, but later treats Gottlieb's wife with professional care.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii)

Quoted for his advice to medical students about the varied roles of a country doctor.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/v)

Mentioned as having been 'slain' by Sondelius in a metaphorical chain of influence.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/iii)

Sends a letter regretting his inability to attend the dinner.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/characters/dean_silva
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/arrowsmith_se/characters