Struggles and Triumphs · Chapter
XXVIII: Abroad Again explained
Barnum returns to England after a decade, reconnecting with old friends and observing changes in their lives.
What happens
Barnum returns to England after a decade, reconnecting with old friends and observing changes in their lives. He finds Albert Smith transformed into a successful showman with a Mont Blanc entertainment at Egyptian Hall. Barnum rekindles friendships with Charles Kean, Otto Goldschmidt, Julius Benedict, and others, while declining offers of financial aid and employment. He continues his own exhibitions featuring Cordelia Howard as Little Eva and General Tom Thumb, working to pay off debts and save his real estate.
Themes in this chapter
Resilience in Adversity
Barnum works industriously through exhibitions to pay off debts and save his real estate, despite financial ruin from the Jerome Clock Company entanglement.
Showmanship and Humbug
Albert Smith's transformation into a showman with his Mont Blanc entertainment exemplifies the art of blending information with amusement for popular success.
Public Perception and Reputation
Barnum keeps his interest in exhibitions secret to avoid harassment from clock creditors, and is annoyed by a forged Jenny Lind letter published in American papers.
Characters to notice
- P. T. Barnum
Returns to England after ten years, reconnects with old friends, and continues working to pay off debts through exhibitions.
- Albert Smith
Transformed from a dentist and literary hack into a successful showman, presenting his Mont Blanc ascent entertainment at Egyptian Hall.
- General Tom Thumb
Returns to England and draws crowded houses, contributing to Barnum's debt repayment efforts.
- Charles Kean
Barnum visits his theater, where Kean shows his stage and valuable properties, including suits of armor.
- Mr. Otto Goldschmidt
Jenny Lind's husband calls on Barnum, offering assistance and suggesting Barnum move his family to Dresden.
- Mr. Julius Benedict
Old friend who dines with Barnum and reminisces about their travels in America.
- Signor Belletti
Joins Julius Benedict in dining with Barnum and recalling their American adventures.
- Mr. Barney Williams
Proposes Barnum act as his agent for a tour through Great Britain, offering one-third of profits.
Key passages
“Eva," with her mother as the inimitable "Topsy," were highly successful in London and other large cities, while General Tom Thumb, returning after so long an absence, drew crowded houses wherever he went.”
Cordelia Howard as Little Eva and her mother as Topsy were very popular in London and elsewhere, and General Tom Thumb's return after a long absence attracted large audiences everywhere.
Barnum describes the success of his exhibitions in England, which helped him work toward paying off his debts.
“Calling upon Albert Smith, I found him the same kind, cordial friend as ever, and he at once put me on the free list at his entertainment, and insisted upon my dining frequently with him at his favorite club, the Garrick.”
When Barnum visited Albert Smith, he found him as friendly as ever, and Smith gave him free admission to his show and often invited him to dine at the Garrick Club.
Barnum rekindles his friendship with Albert Smith, who had become a successful showman.
“Otto Goldschmidt, the husband of Jenny Lind, also called on me in London. He and his wife were then living in Dresden, and he said the first thing his wife desired him to ask me was, whether I was in want.”
Jenny Lind's husband Otto Goldschmidt visited Barnum in London and, on behalf of his wife, asked if Barnum was in need of financial help.
Jenny Lind and her husband offered assistance to Barnum during his financial difficulties.
