Struggles and Triumphs · Chapter
Work and Play explained
Barnum recounts his presidency of the Fairfield County Agricultural Society, including a humorous incident where he exhibited a captured pickpocket to boost fair attendance.
What happens
Barnum recounts his presidency of the Fairfield County Agricultural Society, including a humorous incident where he exhibited a captured pickpocket to boost fair attendance. He also shares anecdotes of being unrecognized while overhearing candid remarks about himself, his involvement with Phillips's Fire Annihilator, the Pequonnock Bank, the Illustrated News, and his early skepticism about the New York World's Fair.
Themes in this chapter
Showmanship and Humbug
Barnum turns a captured pickpocket into a paid attraction, demonstrating his flair for showmanship and 'humbug'.
Public Perception and Reputation
Barnum overhears strangers' candid opinions about him, highlighting the gap between public perception and reality.
Financial Wisdom and Economy
Barnum's cautious approach to the Fire Annihilator investment and his refund policy reflect his financial prudence.
Characters to notice
- P. T. Barnum
Narrator and central figure; president of the Agricultural Society, involved in various business ventures.
- Alfred Bunn
Ex-manager of Drury Lane Theatre; visits Barnum in New York, assuming they are old acquaintances.
- Mr. James Gordon Bennett
Mentioned in the context of the Illustrated News and other ventures.
- Honorable Elisha Whittlesey
President of the Fire Annihilator Company; Barnum serves as Secretary and General Agent.
Key passages
“I obtained consent from the sheriff that the culprit should be put in the Fair room for the purpose of giving those who had been robbed an opportunity to identify him. For this purpose he was handcuffed, and placed in a conspicuous position, where of course he was 'the observed of all observers.' I then issued handbills, stating that as it was the last day of the Fair, the managers were happy to announce that they had secured extra attractions for the occasion, and would accordingly exhibit, safely handcuffed, and without extra charge, a live pickpocket, who had been caught in the act of robbing an honest farmer the day previous.”
Barnum got permission to put the handcuffed pickpocket on display at the fair, then advertised him as a free extra attraction, which drew large crowds and boosted revenue.
Illustrates Barnum's opportunistic showmanship.
“I was confident I had never seen the man before, but it struck me at once that no Englishman I ever heard of would be likely to exhibit more presumption or assumption than the ex-manager of Drury Lane, and I jumped at the conclusion: 'Is not this Mr. Bunn?'”
Though Barnum had never met Alfred Bunn, he guessed his identity based on his reputation for arrogance.
Shows Barnum's quick wit and familiarity with theatrical personalities.