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The Magnificent Ambersons
by Booth Tarkington

Published: 2013-03-06
Paperback : 188 pages
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The novel traces the growth of the United States through the declining fortunes of three generations of the aristocratic Amberson family in an upper-scale Indianapolis neighborhood, between the end of the Civil War and the early part of the 20th century, a period of rapid industrialization and ...
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Introduction

The novel traces the growth of the United States through the declining fortunes of three generations of the aristocratic Amberson family in an upper-scale Indianapolis neighborhood, between the end of the Civil War and the early part of the 20th century, a period of rapid industrialization and socio-economic change in America. The decline of the Ambersons is contrasted with the rising fortunes of industrial tycoons and other new-money families, which did not derive power from family names but by "doing things." As George Amberson's friend (name unspecified) says, "don't you think being things is 'rahthuh bettuh' than doing things?"

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Discussion Questions

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Other than looks,what redeeming qualities did Lucy see in George that made him her one true love?
by [email protected] (see profile) 08/06/17

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Member Reviews

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by javier f. (see profile) 08/06/17

A good sociological study of how complacency, stagnation, and a sense of superiority and entitlement get their comeuppance in a capitalistic world that is constantly progressing. I was disappointed by... (read more)

 
  "The story of the rise and fall of an old-wealth family in a "midland city" based on Indianapolis. Takes place on the dawn of heavy industry in the midwest (along with industrial pollution), and birth"by Ann S. (see profile) 03/15/09

This was my pick for bookclub. I had read an article about the author, Indianapolis native, Booth Tarkington, who is honored in a painting in our new Central Library. I've lived in Indy for 18 years,... (read more)

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