Comedy Satire Wealth and Poverty Social Class Chance and Luck American Dream
The Million Pound Bank Note is a short story written by Mark Twain and originally published in 1893. It has been adapted to film on several occasions.
Set in Victorian London, the story introduces us to Henry Adams. Henry was working in a San Francisco stock exchange office and one weekend, while sailing, he is swept out to sea and rescued by a ship on its way to London.
During the boat ride he works hard to earn his fare and food and finally arrives in London penniless and with his clothes in tatters.
There he is seen by two rather eccentric millionaires who offer him a sealed envelope containing a single £1 million bill. Henry cannot cash it in at a bank, as it would be suspicious and he would be asked how he came to have so much money without having stolen it. Also, he would not be able to pay with it in any store as they would not be able to give him back that much change.
The reason for this delivery is that Henry Adams has been the result of a bet of 20,000 pounds: A brother, Oliver, claims that just having this symbol of wealth will help a person to get what he wants even without using the bill. However, his brother Roderick claims that not being able to exchange the bill will take all the value out of it and Henry will not be able to do anything....
#98 in Short Stories (this month)
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Copyright info
The Million Pound Bank Note by Mark Twain is believed to be in the public domain in the United States only. It may still be copyrighted in other countries. If you are not in the United States, please check your local laws to ensure this eBook is in the public domain in your country before downloading The Million Pound Bank Note in PDF or ePub.
A single absurd banknote turns London into a laboratory of status. Twain’s novella is pure kinetic satire: how wealth signals bend doors, tongues, and consciences. It is light, pointed, and perfectly paced.
Inequality, clout, and viral fame are today’s currency. This tale trains skepticism toward signals and charm that spend other people’s money.
Do not confuse shine with value.
Watch how power recognizes itself.
Experiment that exposes manners.
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American wit with moral bite; comedy that protects dignity while exposing cant.
We have 15 books by Mark Twain in the AliceAndBooks library