Alice Adams: Analysis of Major Characters
"Alice Adams" is a novel by Booth Tarkington that explores the life of its titular character, Alice Adams, a young woman from a struggling family who dreams of a better life but faces numerous disappointments. Alice's aspirations are hindered by her family's financial limitations, leading her to adopt pretentious behaviors in an attempt to gain social acceptance. Her father, Virgil Adams, is a stressed employee who suffers a stroke due to the failure of his glue manufacturing project, affecting the family's stability. Alice's mother, Mrs. Adams, embodies social ambition, pushing her husband for financial success while resorting to taking in boarders to make ends meet.
The narrative also introduces Alice's brother, Walter, who is embroiled in theft and gambling rather than supporting his family. Key relationships in the story include Mildred Palmer, Alice's supportive best friend, and Frank Dowling, an awkward boy who shows Alice attention at social events. The dynamics shift further with the presence of Arthur Russell, a distant relative who briefly shows interest in Alice before rejecting her. The family’s struggles and interactions with characters like Mr. Lamb, who undermines Virgil's work, paint a vivid picture of the challenges faced by those in pursuit of social mobility and acceptance in their community. Overall, the story examines themes of ambition, social class, and personal identity within a complex family structure.
Alice Adams: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Booth Tarkington
First published: 1921
Genre: Novel
Locale: A small Midwestern town
Plot: Social
Time: Early twentieth century
Alice Adams, a dreamer whose family is not rich enough to send her to college. She tries to attract attention by affected mannerisms. Disappointed in every ambition, she finally stops daydreaming and, reluctantly, enrolls in Frincke's Business College.
Virgil Adams, her father, an employee of the Lamb Wholesale Drug Company and part discoverer of the formula for a special glue. The co-discoverer has died. The failure of Virgil's project to manufacture the glue causes him to have a stroke.
Mrs. Adams, Alice's socially ambitious mother, who nags her husband to make more money but ends up taking in boarders.
Walter Adams, their son, who has stolen three hundred dollars from his employer. He is more interested in gambling with waiters than in dancing with his sister at Mildred's party.
Mildred Palmer, Alice's best friend.
Frank Dowling, a fat, unpopular boy who is the only one attentive to Alice at the dance.
Arthur Russell, a distant relative of the Palmers who is momentarily interested in Alice, then finds her repulsive.
Mr. Lamb, who builds his own glue factory and destroys Virgil Adams' prospects.
Charley Lohr, who brings the Adamses news that the absconding Walter has left town.