Twain's "The £1,000,000 Bank-Note" weaves themes of impending doom, wealth worship, and rags to riches. The excerpts illustrate society's fascination with wealth, the protagonist's reliance on it, and the dramatic transformation from humble beginnings to opulent success.
In Mark Twain's "The £1,000,000 Bank-Note," the themes of impending doom, wealth worship, and rags to riches are intricately woven into the narrative. The excerpts from the text illuminate these themes.
The passage describing the transformation of Harris' eating-house reflects the theme of wealth worship. The foreign crank with million-pound bills elevates the establishment from obscurity to celebrity, underscoring society's fascination with affluence.
The mention of impending doom emerges when the protagonist contemplates the possible crash and relies on the foreign crank to save him from total destruction. The uncertainty surrounding the future and the reliance on wealth as a potential savior contribute to a sense of impending doom.
The theme of rags to riches is evident in the dialogue that highlights the protagonist's journey. From a humble clerk in Frisco to a vast millionaire in London, the drastic transformation emphasizes the classic narrative of moving from poverty to great wealth.