# XVII explained — Roughing It

> Chapter companion for Roughing It by Mark Twain.

## What happens

The narrator departs Great Salt Lake City, reflecting on the confusion surrounding the 'Mormon question' and the high prices that signify a pioneer land. He recounts an embarrassing incident where he tips a half-breed bootblack a five-cent piece, only to be mocked for his 'emigrant' ways, and describes the comfort of ham, eggs, and a pipe during the subsequent stagecoach journey.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Belonging

The narrator struggles with his identity as an 'emigrant' versus a 'pioneer,' feeling shame and inferiority in the face of local scorn.

### Get-Rich-Quick Schemes and Speculation

The high prices and the narrator's financial misstep highlight the speculative economy and the value of money in the West.

### Humor and Exaggeration

The bootblack's witty retort and the narrator's over-the-top reaction exemplify Twain's humorous exaggeration of social faux pas.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

Reflects on the unreliable information about Mormons, experiences humiliation over a small tip, and enjoys the comforts of ham, eggs, and a pipe on the stagecoach.

### Brigham Young

Implied as a central figure in the 'Mormon question' discussions, though not directly present.

## Key lines

> We had a deal more 'information' than we had before, of course, but we did not know what portion of it was reliable and what was not—for it all came from acquaintances of a day—strangers, strictly speaking.

We gathered a lot of facts, but couldn't tell which were true because they came from people we barely knew.

_Highlights the unreliability of secondhand information in a new land._

> The yellow-jacket handed the half dime back to me and told me I ought to keep my money in my pocketbook instead of in my soul, and then I wouldn't get it cramped and shriveled up so!

The bootblack returned the coin, sarcastically suggesting I keep my money in my wallet rather than hoarding it in my heart.

_A humorous jab at the narrator's stinginess and lack of understanding of local customs._

> Nothing helps scenery like ham and eggs. Ham and eggs, and after these a pipe—an old, rank, delicious pipe—ham and eggs and scenery, a 'down grade,' a flying coach, a fragrant pipe and a contented heart—these make happiness.

The simple pleasures of ham, eggs, and a pipe enhance the beauty of the landscape and create true contentment during the journey.

_Twain's characteristic blend of humor and appreciation for life's simple joys._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/roughing_it_se/chapters/xvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/roughing_it_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/roughing_it_se/chapters