The Humbugs of the World · Chapter
The Golden Pigeons explained
Barnum recounts how he purchased artificially colored pigeons from a German chemist and used them to expose the tall tales of Grizzly Adams, who claimed all manner of exotic animals existed in California.
What happens
Barnum recounts how he purchased artificially colored pigeons from a German chemist and used them to expose the tall tales of Grizzly Adams, who claimed all manner of exotic animals existed in California. Adams initially boasts that the golden pigeons are common in California, but when the dye fades and the pigeons revert to white, he realizes he has been humbugged.
Themes in this chapter
Definition and Nature of Humbug
Barnum's deliberate use of painted pigeons to deceive Grizzly Adams illustrates the playful, exposure-oriented nature of humbug.
Gullibility and Human Nature
Adams's willingness to believe and exaggerate about the pigeons reveals the human tendency toward credulity and self-deception.
Advertising and Showmanship
Barnum's labeling of the pigeons as 'Golden Pigeons from California' demonstrates the use of showmanship to create public interest.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Barnum
Narrator and orchestrator of the golden pigeon humbug; buys the painted pigeons to expose Grizzly Adams's exaggerations.
- Old Grizzly Adams
Bear exhibitor who claims the golden pigeons are common in California; later embarrassed when the dye fades.
- Monsieur Guillaudeu
Aged naturalist and taxidermist at the Museum; examines the golden pigeons and doubts their California origin.
- German Chemist
Unnamed German chemist who colors the pigeons and sells them to Barnum.
Key passages
“I can paint a green pigeon or a blue pigeon, a gray pigeon or a black pigeon, a brown pigeon or a pigeon half blue and half green”
The chemist claimed he could dye birds any color, including multicolored combinations.
Demonstrates the chemist's skill and the artificial nature of the 'golden' pigeons.
“Blast the Golden Pigeons! You had better take them back to the Museum. You can't humbug me with your painted pigeons!”
Adams angrily realized he had been tricked and told Barnum to remove the pigeons.
Climax of the humbug; Adams's indignation reveals his embarrassment.