# Morality and Business Ethics in The Rise of Silas Lapham

> Theme guide for The Rise of Silas Lapham by William Dean Howells.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rise_of_silas_lapham_se/chapters/iii): 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): 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.
- [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rise_of_silas_lapham_se/chapters/viii): Tom asserts he would rather starve than touch dirty money, while Bromfield Corey questions the stigma attached to honest earnings from paint.
- [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rise_of_silas_lapham_se/chapters/x): 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): Sewell's 'economy of pain' principle applies moral reasoning to personal relationships, paralleling ethical decision-making in business.
- [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rise_of_silas_lapham_se/chapters/xxi): Lapham's rejection of Rogers' dishonest scheme highlights the conflict between financial gain and ethical integrity.
- [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rise_of_silas_lapham_se/chapters/xxiii): 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): Lapham resists the English investors' dishonest scheme but is tempted by the potential profit; later he regrets past scrupulosity and considers abandoning his principles.
- [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rise_of_silas_lapham_se/chapters/xxvii): Lapham's pride in having come out with clean hands and his reflections on his dealings with Rogers underscore the moral dimensions of his business failure.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rise_of_silas_lapham_se/themes/morality_and_business_ethics
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rise_of_silas_lapham_se/themes