# The Golden Pigeons explained — The Humbugs of the World

> Chapter companion for The Humbugs of the World by P. T. Barnum.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/chapters/v
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/chapters