The Philistines

"The Philistines" by Arlo Bates is a tale of ambition and compromise set within the art scene of 19th-century Boston. It follows Arthur Fenton, an artist marrying into high society with the intention of boosting his career. His relationship with his well-connected wife, Edith Caldwell, becomes a key point as he balances his artistic values with the draw of commercial success. Arthur's journey illustrates the struggle between staying true to your art and giving in to shallow, societal demands, portraying a world where honesty is tested by the desire for fame and wealth, showing the price one pays when blending art with high society.