# Chapter XI explained — The Humbugs of the World

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

## What happens

This chapter exposes the fraudulent techniques used by spirit mediums, particularly the 'ballot-test' method, detailing how a medium deceives investigators by reading their handwriting, palming ballots, and manipulating paper folds to produce seemingly supernatural communications. It includes anecdotes of a medium's failed attempt with an old man who misunderstood 'deceased' as 'diseased' and of Scottish investigators tricking the trickster.

## Themes in this chapter

### Gullibility and Human Nature

The chapter illustrates how people's desire for spiritual contact makes them susceptible to deception, as mediums exploit their trust and credulity.

### Advertising and Showmanship

The medium's performance, including the use of mysterious manipulations and theatrical gestures, is a form of showmanship designed to convince and convert investigators.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Barnum

Narrator and expositor of the medium's fraudulent methods.

## Key lines

> An aptitude for deception is all the capital that a person requires in order to become a 'spirit-medium;' or, at least, to gain the reputation of being one.

To become a spirit medium, or at least to be seen as one, all you need is a talent for lying.

_Barnum asserts that deception is the only skill necessary for mediumship._

> The medium, like many others, incorrectly pronounced the term 'deceased,' the same as 'diseased'—sounding the s like z.

The medium mispronounced 'deceased' as 'diseased,' a common error at the time.

_This mispronunciation leads to a humorous misunderstanding with the old gentleman._

> Should the inquirer 'smell a rat,' and take measures to prevent the medium from learning, in the way I have stated, what question is written, he (the medium) gets nervous and discontinues the 'sitting,' alleging that conditions are unfavorable for spirit-communication.

If the investigator suspects trickery and blocks the medium's methods, the medium becomes anxious and ends the session, claiming the spirits are not cooperating.

_Barnum reveals how mediums avoid exposure by blaming unfavorable conditions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/chapters/xi
- 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