Struggles and Triumphs · Chapter
Rest, but Not Rust explained
Barnum recounts the sale of his American Museum collection, the harassment of supplementary proceedings by creditors, and his witty retorts in court.
What happens
Barnum recounts the sale of his American Museum collection, the harassment of supplementary proceedings by creditors, and his witty retorts in court. He spends a restorative summer on Long Island, where his landlord Mr. Charles Howell shows him a 'natural honk'—a man who imitates wild geese. With a loan from Mr. Wheeler, Barnum begins to rebuild, and in 1857 he sails for England with General Tom Thumb and little Cordelia Howard to earn money and repurchase his estate.
Themes in this chapter
Resilience in Adversity
Barnum faces repeated court examinations and financial ruin with wit and determination, eventually planning a European tour to rebuild.
Showmanship and Humbug
Barnum's interest in the 'natural honk' as a potential museum exhibit reflects his eye for curiosities and showmanship.
Financial Wisdom and Economy
Barnum borrows $5,000, uses his wife's funds, and plans to repurchase property at auction, demonstrating strategic financial recovery.
Characters to notice
- P. T. Barnum
Narrates his financial troubles, court examinations, summer respite, and decision to go to England.
- Charity Barnum
Owned the Museum property lease; her income from the lease supported the family during Barnum's difficulties.
- Mr. Charles Howell
Eccentric Long Island farmer who hosted Barnum's family and showed him the 'natural honk' curiosity.
- General Tom Thumb
Accompanied Barnum to England in 1857 to help earn money.
- Mr. John Greenwood
Co-purchaser of the American Museum collection with Henry D. Butler.
Key passages
“I attend the bar of this court, nearly every day, for the benefit of twopenny, would-be lawyers and their greedy clients.”
Barnum quips that he appears in court daily to help cheap lawyers and their grasping clients.
Barnum's witty retort during a creditor's examination.
“It is a man who has got a natural honk, and it is worth fifty dollars a year to him.”
Howell describes a man who can imitate a wild goose's honk, earning him fifty dollars annually.
Barnum's curiosity about the 'honk' as a potential exhibit.