The Million Pound Bank Note

In addition to the enjoyment he takes in the series of adventures that Henry encounters, Mark Twain presents the characteristics needed to be successful in America. As he did earlier in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court (1889), Twain shows that an American needs wit and practical intelligence, a sense of fairness and honesty, a clean reputation, patience, and self-discipline. Henry has all these qualities and more. His wit and intelligence allow him to seize the opportunities that come his way. Furthermore, his self-discipline allows him to keep his desires in check. Henry does not spend wildly when he uses the bank note for credit. Instead, he keeps careful watch over his expenses, allowing himself to owe no more than what he can repay within two years on the salary that he expects to make in his new job.