In Mark Twains short story, "A Million Pound Bank Note", he recognized the idea of geography and region into his writing, which I think is very interesting. He points out that the two wealthy, "stuck up" brothers are from the "upper-crust" London while Henry Adams is from West Coast United States. Through out Twains writing, he expresses simplicity, which is very interesting to me.
While reading this story, I enjoyed the plot line. It showed how Henry ended up not needing a job or the two brothers at the end because of the money he earned himself. Although it is said money cannot but happiness, it did in a way for Henry. “Can I afford it? No. I have nothing in the world but a million pounds”, Henry said (Twain, 351). Henry said this in regards to the suit he wanted to buy in the tailor shop. Even when Henry explained to the two tailors that he did not have the money, they still gave him the best suit in the shop. Even when he did not have any money, everyone recognized the million pound bank note and respected him and treated him like loyalty. In a way, it is depressing that he got everything he wanted by just presenting the bank note, when he did not really deserve everything he received. Henry received free clothes, food and much more. It is like the Kardashian sisters having everything they want, when they clearly do not have any talent.
There were various quotes that had interested me, such as this one: "They mean me ill' no way to decide that- let it go. They've got a game, or a scheme, or an experiment, of some kind on hand; no way to determine what it is- let it go. There is a bet on mw, no way to find out what it i s- let it go" (Twain). This quote in particular caught my attention I think because of how it was worded. The wording reminded me of a poem of some sort, while Twain used the line "let it go" multiple times, in a pattern.
At the end of the story, Henry Adams was prestigious and resourceful. I think those two words sum up the ending regarding Henry Adams. He ended up with the women of his dreams, Portia, a million dollars which he had earned himself, and not needing a job from the brother as I said before. I feel like at the end of the story, the two brothers were shocked of the outcome, but more importantly respected him. I also loved the part when Portia said she knew the scheme all along and that Brother B was actually her step- father. Twain did such a great job having a twist in the plot.
posted by Unknown @ 9:51 PM
3 Comments
3 Comments:
Natalie,
I also enjoyed the story "The Million Pound Bank Note," however I didn't think it was depressing how he climbed up the ranks with the bank note. I found it clever how he presented himself and used it to his advantage, which is something I don't think someone else in his position might have been able to do. You bring up an interesting connection with the Kardashian family and talent. It is true it may seem like many untalented people earn money for doing nothing, but I think they are talented in the way that they know how use money and their position to be at an advantage. The main character especially, he didn't earn the money but once he had it, he was smart enough to use it to an advantage which I think is a talent within itself. Do you think being "money savvy" is a talent? It seems to get people rich and often times famous, it's interesting to think about.
"The Million Pound Bank Note" brings many interesting topics that can be interpreted in an array of ways. One of the underlying issues and topics within this story is the presence of status. Status is what made Henry Adams able to thrive without paying anything, while at the same time, getting everything. Status is something that is obtained, and information and or assumptions that are gathered and judged by others. Status enabled Henry to rise above and climb the social ladder, allowing him to eventually become a very prosperous man. The fact that Twain brings this topic of status among his story wonders if he is trying to insinuate status difference between Americans and the British. As you said, he does portray the American as a disoriented and of a lesser to the British males, who we later learn are from large amounts of wealth. I think that this is something to ponder while looking at the topic of status.
In the scene during the "Million Pound Bank Note" where he tries to buy a suit but will not get helped poses an provocative commentary on how people think as a whole. Lots of people are superficial and skin deep especially when it comes to first impressions. This scene highlights this human problem where the old expression "don't judge a book by its cover" applies. Twain uses stereotypes or these assumptions of people throughout his books and stories which he emphasizes in his use of racism and impersonations.
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