Struggles and Triumphs · Chapter
My Start as a Showman explained
Barnum recounts his entry into the show business, beginning with the Joice Heth exhibition, which he initially believed to be genuine.
What happens
Barnum recounts his entry into the show business, beginning with the Joice Heth exhibition, which he initially believed to be genuine. He describes his early ventures, including the engagement of Signor Vivalla, his first appearance on stage, and the use of publicity and contests to stimulate public interest. The chapter also covers his connection with Aaron Turner's circus, the hardships of travel, and his reflections on the amusement trade.
Themes in this chapter
Showmanship and Humbug
Barnum details his use of publicity, contests, and staged rivalries to attract crowds, reflecting the art of showmanship.
Resilience in Adversity
Barnum overcomes financial setbacks, such as pawning his watch in Washington, and persists in his show business ventures.
Public Perception and Reputation
Barnum manipulates public curiosity and excitement through advertising and contests, shaping how his exhibitions are perceived.
Characters to notice
- P. T. Barnum
Narrator and protagonist; describes his start as a showman, his philosophy of amusement, and his early exhibitions.
- Joice Heth
Exhibited as the 161-year-old nurse of George Washington; her death and postmortem examination are noted.
- Signor Vivalla
Italian performer engaged by Barnum; featured in balancing and stilt-walking acts, and in contests with Roberts.
- Roberts
Circus performer who challenged Vivalla; Barnum hired him for staged contests to boost attendance.
- Old Turner
Proprietor of the traveling circus with which Barnum connected; known for frugality, e.g., the bread and butter dinner.
- Joe Pentland
Witty and original clown in Turner's circus company.
- Mr. Coley Bartram
Informed Barnum about Joice Heth and sold him an interest in the exhibition.
- Anne Royall
Author and publisher visited by Barnum in Washington; he tried to hire her for lectures.
Key passages
“By this time it was clear to my mind that my proper position in this busy world was not yet reached.”
Barnum realized he had not yet found his true calling.
Reflects his early uncertainty before becoming a showman.
“I had displayed the faculty of getting money, as well as getting rid of it; but the business for which I was destined, and, I believe, made, had not yet come to me”
He had a talent for making and spending money, but his destined career had not yet arrived.
Highlights his entrepreneurial nature before show business.
“The show business has all phases and grades of dignity, from the exhibition of a monkey to the exposition of that highest art in music or the drama”
The amusement industry spans from lowly spectacles to high art.
Barnum's defense of the show business as a legitimate trade.
“I was guilty of a trick of trade, but so common a trick, that very few who saw my promise were struck with a sense of any particular enormity therein”
He admitted to a common advertising exaggeration, but considered it minor.
Reflects his pragmatic view of business ethics.
“At the outset of my career I saw that everything depended upon getting people to think, and talk, and become curious and excited over and about the 'rare spectacle.'”
Barnum understood that generating public curiosity and conversation was essential to success.
Key insight into his promotional strategy.
“I appeared as a supernumerary to assist Vivalla in arranging his plates and other 'properties'; and to hand him his gun to fire while he was hopping on one stilt ten feet high. This was 'my first appearance on any stage.'”
Barnum made his stage debut as an assistant to Vivalla, handing him props during his stilt act.
Describes his humble theatrical debut.
