Struggles and Triumphs · Chapter
XLIV: Curious Coincidences.—Number Thirteen explained
Barnum explores popular superstitions, particularly those surrounding the number thirteen, and recounts a series of personal anecdotes where he was repeatedly assigned room number thirteen during his Western lecturing tour in 1866.
What happens
Barnum explores popular superstitions, particularly those surrounding the number thirteen, and recounts a series of personal anecdotes where he was repeatedly assigned room number thirteen during his Western lecturing tour in 1866. He also discusses superstitions about Friday, Saturday, and rainy Sundays, and shares a story about a Christmas dinner with thirteen guests at the Brettells' in St. James's Palace. A clerical friend later reassures him that thirteen is a lucky number, citing the Thirteen Colonies and biblical references.
Themes in this chapter
Showmanship and Humbug
Barnum treats superstitions with a blend of skepticism and amusement, using personal anecdotes to engage readers.
Resilience in Adversity
Despite repeated assignments to room thirteen and other omens, Barnum continues his tour with a lighthearted attitude.
Characters to notice
- P. T. Barnum
Narrator and central figure; recounts his experiences with superstitions and the number thirteen during his Western tour.
- General Tom Thumb
Mentioned as being with Barnum in England when he dined with the Brettells on Christmas.
- Mr. Ballard
Proprietor of the hotel in Mount Vernon, Iowa; drives Barnum to the depot and jokes about room thirteen.
- Charity Barnum
Barnum's wife; mentioned as being sick at home during his Western trip.
Key passages
“I suppose most of us have certain superstitions, imbibed in our youth, and still lurking more or less faintly in our minds.”
Barnum suggests that nearly everyone retains some childhood superstitions, even if they don't admit it.
Reflects on the persistence of superstitious beliefs.
“It is a common occurrence with many to immediately make a secret 'wish' if they happen to use the same expression at the same moment when a friend with whom they are conversing makes it; nevertheless these persons would protest against being considered superstitious.”
People often make a wish when they speak simultaneously with a friend, yet deny being superstitious.
Highlights everyday superstitious behaviors.
“I have known numbers of French persons who had quite a horror of this fatal number.”
Barnum has met many French people who are deeply afraid of the number thirteen.
Observes cultural superstition about thirteen.
“It's all right; go ahead and get 'number thirteen' as often as you can. It is a lucky number.”
Barnum's clerical friend advises him to embrace room thirteen as a sign of good fortune.
Reassurance from a friend reinterprets the superstition positively.