The novel revolves around the lives of a group of wealthy Americans living in the countryside. It explores themes of social class, morality, and the decline of traditional values. The story centers on a family's struggles with their own moral codes and the changing societal norms of the time. The narrative is characterized by its use of satire to critique the excesses of the upper class. The author portrays the characters as being trapped in their own privileged world, struggling to adapt to the shifting social landscape. Throughout the novel, the author raises questions about the nature of morality and how it relates to one's social status. The characters' actions are often driven by a desire to maintain their position within society, rather than any genuine sense of moral obligation. The novel ultimately presents a bleak view of the American upper class, suggesting that their values are shallow and self-serving.
By Henry Blake Fuller · First published 1895 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Drama