Struggles and Triumphs · Chapter
More About the Museum explained
Barnum recounts various attractions and schemes at the American Museum, including the 'cherry-colored cat' hoax, an expedition to capture live white whales, the acquisition of Commodore Nutt, and visits from Indian chiefs.
What happens
Barnum recounts various attractions and schemes at the American Museum, including the 'cherry-colored cat' hoax, an expedition to capture live white whales, the acquisition of Commodore Nutt, and visits from Indian chiefs. He details the construction of a large tank for whales, the public excitement, and the confusion between Commodore Nutt and General Tom Thumb.
Themes in this chapter
Showmanship and Humbug
The cherry-colored cat hoax exemplifies Barnum's playful deception to attract crowds and generate publicity.
Resilience in Adversity
Barnum's determination to capture and transport live whales despite the logistical challenges shows his persistence.
Public Perception and Reputation
The confusion between Commodore Nutt and General Tom Thumb highlights how public perception can be manipulated and mistaken.
Characters to notice
- P. T. Barnum
Narrator and showman, orchestrates the cherry-colored cat hoax, leads whaling expedition, and acquires Commodore Nutt.
- Commodore Nutt
A dwarf engaged by Barnum for three years, christened 'Commodore Nutt,' often mistaken for General Tom Thumb.
- General Tom Thumb
Mentioned as traveling in the South and West; his resemblance to Commodore Nutt causes public confusion.
- Mr. John Greenwood
Museum manager who purchased the 'cherry-colored cat' from a farmer.
- Mr. Gideon Thompson
Bridgeport citizen who mistakes Commodore Nutt for General Tom Thumb.
- Yellow Bear
Kiowa chief described as a sly, treacherous savage; exhibited on stage and given a chain-mail shirt.
- William Bassett
General Tom Thumb's brother-in-law, who confirms the resemblance between Nutt and Thumb.
Key passages
“I stated that a farmer came in from the country, and said he had got a 'cherry-colored cat' at home which he would like to sell; that Mr. Greenwood gave him a writing promising to pay him twenty-five dollars for such a cat delivered in good health, provided it was not artificially colored; and that the cat was then in the bag in front of the table, ready for exhibition.”
Barnum told the audience that a farmer had offered a 'cherry-colored cat' to Mr. Greenwood, who agreed to pay $25 for it if it wasn't dyed. The cat was then revealed from a bag on stage.
Describes the setup of the cherry-colored cat hoax.
“It seemed incredible that a living whale could be 'expressed' by railroad on a five days' journey, and although I knew nothing of the white whale or its habits, since I had never seen one, I determined to experiment in that direction.”
Despite the seeming impossibility of shipping a live whale by rail over five days, Barnum decided to try it, even though he had no experience with whales.
Shows Barnum's willingness to take risks for a novel attraction.
“The little Commodore attracted great attention and grew rapidly in public favor. General Tom Thumb was then travelling in the South and West.”
Commodore Nutt quickly became popular, while General Tom Thumb was touring elsewhere.
Highlights the contrast between the two dwarfs' careers at the time.
“He would fawn about me, and although not speaking or understanding a word of our language, would try to convince me that he loved me dearly.”
Yellow Bear acted affectionately toward Barnum despite the language barrier, pretending to be friendly.
Describes the deceptive behavior of the Kiowa chief Yellow Bear.
