"The Late George Apley" chronicles the life of George William Apley, a man born into Boston's upper crust in the mid-19th century. His life unfolds against a backdrop of societal expectations and family legacy, painting a portrait of a man both defined by and struggling against his heritage. From his education at Harvard to his later years confronting societal changes, George navigates a world of privilege, duty, and personal challenges.

Early Life and Family Legacy

George William Apley entered the world on January 25, 1866, in the prestigious neighborhood of Beacon Hill, Boston. His family, the Apleys, boasted a long-standing presence in Massachusetts, beginning with Thomas, who emigrated from England in 1636. The family’s roots were deeply intertwined with Harvard University, starting with John Apley’s graduation in 1662. Over generations, the Apleys solidified their presence, with Moses Apley establishing the family fortune as a shipping master, directly influencing George’s upbringing.

The Formative Years

Growing up surrounded by affluence and social prestige, George was groomed to uphold his family's standards. He absorbed his parents’ composed lifestyle, which steered him gently through society's upper echelons, from family visits to academic pursuits at Harvard. His university years were pivotal, shaping his character and friendships, crucial for his social standing. Here, he honed his genteel demeanor, furthering the gentlemanly traits nurtured by his family and education. Harvard was not just about academics; it was a crucial period for establishing lifelong social connections.

Harvard and Personal Growth

Harvard provided an environment where George refined his identity as a model of propriety and intellect. His shock and distaste for a Boston brothel, expressed in a written theme, highlighted his adherence to societal norms. Athletic achievements, such as boxing, and participation in cultural activities like the Harvard Lampoon and Hasty Pudding Club, showcased his multifaceted interests. Despite a busy schedule, George maintained respectable academic performance, graduating as a middling student but with a wealth of experiences.

Romance and the Path of Duty

During college, George's heart was captured by Mary Monahan, a love deemed unsuitable by his family. The affair, swiftly ended by the Apleys, was buried from public view. Following this heartbreak, George's parents sent him on a sea voyage, a therapeutic attempt to steer him back to their chosen path. Upon his return, George pursued legal studies and engaged with the Boston Waifs’ Society, as part of his induction into the family’s business acumen. However, his uncle William recognized George’s unsuitability for commerce, leading to a career in law and financial trusteeship.

Marriage and Family Life

In adherence to familial expectations, George became engaged to Catharine Bosworth in 1890. Subsequent marriage blended their lives with their respective families, providing a house and summer retreat courtesy of their parents. The union extended beyond George and Catharine, as family influences permeated their marriage. The birth of their children, John and Eleanor, saw familial debates and traditions continue, with John’s name symbolizing their lineage. George invested his energies into philanthropic endeavors, contributing papers like “Jonas Good and Cow Corner” to esteemed societies.

Trials and Responsibilities

Amid personal milestones, George faced familial duties following his sister Amelia’s marriage and his father’s passing. A substantial inheritance, coupled with obligations like addressing a dubious paternity claim against his father, tested his resolve to protect family honor. George's purchase of Pequod Island provided a sanctuary, though it eventually opened its doors to literary figures, driven by his wife and sister's invitations. He observed societal shifts, particularly dismayed by younger generations' imprudence and the perceived encroachment of different ethnic groups in Boston, motivating his support of initiatives like the Save Boston Association.

Later...