David Harum · Chapter
XXXIV explained
David Harum recounts to his sister Mrs.
What happens
David Harum recounts to his sister Mrs. Bixbee and John Lenox his Sunday horse-trading visit to 'Lizer Howe, where he cleverly circumvented 'Lizer's refusal to do business on the Sabbath by using hypothetical questions to negotiate a deal, much to Mrs. Bixbee's disapproval.
Themes in this chapter
Horse Trading and Moral Ambiguity
David's clever use of hypothetical questions to negotiate a horse purchase on Sunday highlights the moral gray areas in horse trading, where strict religious rules are bent through verbal loopholes.
Character and Reputation
Mrs. Bixbee's disapproval of Sunday trading reflects her concern for moral reputation, while David's story reveals the contrast between public piety and private pragmatism.
Characters to notice
- David Harum
Narrates his Sunday horse-trading trip to 'Lizer Howe's, using hypotheticals to close a deal despite 'Lizer's scruples.
- Mrs. Bixbee
Scolds David for trading on Sunday and expresses disapproval of his methods.
- John Lenox
Present at dinner, listening to David's story and remarking on David's teasing of his sister.
Key passages
“Some o' the best deals I ever made was made on a Sunday. Hain't you never heard the sayin', 'The better the day, the better the deal'?”
David jokes that some of his best horse trades have happened on Sundays, twisting the old proverb to justify his actions.
David uses humor to deflect his sister's criticism of Sunday trading.
“That conscience o' 'Lizer's is wuth its weight in gold, jest about .”
David remarks that 'Lizer's strict conscience actually made him easier to manipulate in the deal.
David's ironic praise of 'Lizer's conscience underscores his own cunning in the negotiation.