"The Rise of Silas Lapham" is a novel by William Dean Howells published in 1885. It tells the story of Silas Lapham, a self-made businessman who rises from humble beginnings to wealth through his paint manufacturing company. The narrative explores themes of social class, morality, and the American Dream as Lapham navigates the challenges of high society. As Lapham seeks to improve his social standing, he faces conflicts with his family and the elite of Boston. The novel examines the complexities of ambition and the consequences of striving for acceptance in a world that often values status over character.