3 Review(s)

In "The Standard Household-Effect Company," Howells satirizes the business practices and consumer culture of the late 19th century. The story revolves around a man named Adams who works for the "Standard Household-Effect Company," a fictional company that sells all sorts of household goods and products. The company uses aggressive sales tactics and marketing strategies to convince customers to purchase items they may not actually need.The narrative humorously portrays Adams's experiences as he tries to sell various household items to unsuspecting customers. Through his encounters, the story comments on the materialism and commercialism of the era, where the acquisition of consumer goods was often seen as a status symbol or a path to happiness.Howells's satire in this story highlights the absurdity of the consumer culture and the influence of advertising and salesmanship on people's purchasing decisions. It reflects his critical view of the commercialization of American society during that period.As with many of Howells's works, "The Standard Household-Effect Company" combines humor and social commentary to offer a critique of contemporary society and culture. It remains a relevant and insightful piece of satire, providing a glimpse into the values and commercial practices of the late 19th century in America.