Aug 21, 2008
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.
Fennimore, Keith J. Booth Tarkington. New York: Twayne, 1974. An excellent introduction to the author’s life and work.
Mayberry, Susanah. My Amiable Uncle: Recollections About Booth Tarkington. West Lafayette, Indiana: Purdue University Press, 1983. An important contribution to Tarkington’s biography.
Sorkin, Adam J. “ She Doesn’t Last, Apparently’: A Reconsideration of Booth Tarkington’s Alice Adams.” American Literature 46 (1974): 182-199. A sympathetic and reasoned analysis of Alice Adams. Sorkin argues for greater critical attention to Tarkington generally and to Alice Adams in particular.
Woodress, James. Booth Tarkington, Gentleman from Indiana. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott, 1955. An important biography, this volume offers some analysis of the novels.
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