The Alternative

"The Alternative" by George Barr McCutcheon is a story set in early 20th century New York City, focusing on Bosworth Van Pycke, a young man from a respected but poor family, trying to find his place in the city’s high society. The story looks at ideas about social class, what people want in life, and what Bosworth is expected to do by his family and others. The book begins on a stormy night with two older men talking about society. Bosworth is stuck between what his family wants for him and what he wants for himself. He feels pressured to marry someone rich to secure his future, leading to funny and crazy situations. The relationship between Bosworth and his father shows how different generations see things and makes fun of the strange rules of the upper class, as Bosworth thinks about marriage during a snowstorm.