How does Howells use linguistic capital to categorize his characters? Men who are well spoken are trusted greater, looked upon more favorably, and in most cases are more successful than their poorly spoken counterparts. Philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein stated, “The limits of my language mean the limits of my world”. Silas Lapham, a character more inclined to embarrass himself with his lack of linguistic savvy than to impress his successful peers, is an example of a man with poor linguistic capital. Bromfield Corey on the other hand is a character able to conduct himself well among others and thrive in society. One man is a self-made successful man while the other has relied heavily on ancestral success. At the same time, Silas and Bromfield …show more content…
In conclusion, Silas Lapham and Bromfield Corey, although both well to do could not be more different. The decorum that Corey displays whenever he is among other members of society shows his high class and his metalinguistic awareness allows him to feel comfortable in intelligent conversations as well as be witty and captivating. In contrast, Silas’ inability to hold his alcohol consumption during dinner leads to a series of embarrassing moments in which he either feels uncomfortable, completely misreads the situation and says something innappropiate, or uses jargon common with only members of the lower class. The difference in education and study of literature _________, is another fundamental difference between the men. Bromfield Corey, through his education and high class upbringing will continue to thrive although depending on his ancestor’s fortune while Silas Lapham and his family will move from Boston back to Vermont which proves the foreshadowing of his downfall as