# How does The Rise of Silas Lapham develop the theme of Morality and Business Ethics?

> The Rise of Silas Lapham by William Dean Howells

## Answer

The Rise of Silas Lapham by William Dean Howells develops Morality and Business Ethics across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Lapham's struggle with his conscience over past wrongs to his partner Rogers and his decisions during financial ruin illustrate the conflict between ethical integrity and the pursuit of profit.

The argument between Silas and Persis Lapham over his treatment of Rogers highlights the ethical ambiguities of business practices, with Persis accusing Silas of greed and taking advantage of a partner.

Lapham's wariness of partners and his pride in his circulars reflect his concern for integrity in business, while Corey's proposal to join the firm raises questions about the ethics of mixing capital and labor.

Tom asserts he would rather starve than touch dirty money, while Bromfield Corey questions the stigma attached to honest earnings from paint.

## Evidence

- [iii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rise_of_silas_lapham_se/chapters/iii.md): The argument between Silas and Persis Lapham over his treatment of Rogers highlights the ethical ambiguities of business practices, with Persis accusing Silas of greed and taking advantage of a partner.
- [vi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rise_of_silas_lapham_se/chapters/vi.md): Lapham's wariness of partners and his pride in his circulars reflect his concern for integrity in business, while Corey's proposal to join the firm raises questions about the ethics of mixing capital and labor.
- [viii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rise_of_silas_lapham_se/chapters/viii.md): Tom asserts he would rather starve than touch dirty money, while Bromfield Corey questions the stigma attached to honest earnings from paint.
- [x](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rise_of_silas_lapham_se/chapters/x.md): Lapham's decision to lend money to Rogers and his refusal to admit wrongdoing highlight the tension between business pragmatism and personal ethics.
- [xviii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rise_of_silas_lapham_se/chapters/xviii.md): Sewell's 'economy of pain' principle applies moral reasoning to personal relationships, paralleling ethical decision-making in business.
- [xxi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rise_of_silas_lapham_se/chapters/xxi.md): Lapham's rejection of Rogers' dishonest scheme highlights the conflict between financial gain and ethical integrity.
- [xxiii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rise_of_silas_lapham_se/chapters/xxiii.md): Lapham's refusal of Corey's investment and his handling of the Millon women reflect his moral struggles in business dealings.
- [xxv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rise_of_silas_lapham_se/chapters/xxv.md): Lapham resists the English investors' dishonest scheme but is tempted by the potential profit; later he regrets past scrupulosity and considers abandoning his principles.

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