A Letter to the Secretary of the Treasury
The work is a satirical letter addressed to the Secretary of the Treasury, expressing the author's frustration with the rising costs of winter fuel. The author humorously requests unconventional items, such as government bonds and greenbacks, as substitutes for traditional fuel sources. This absurdity highlights the economic struggles faced by writers and the general public due to inflation and financial mismanagement. The letter employs wit and irony to critique the government's handling of currency and economic policy, while also reflecting the author's own financial difficulties. The tone is both playful and pointed, using humor to convey serious concerns about the state of the economy and the impact on everyday life. The author concludes with a tongue-in-cheek promise to vote favorably, underscoring the relationship between economic conditions and political accountability. Overall, the piece serves as a commentary on the absurdities of financial systems and the disconnect between government actions and the realities faced by citizens.
By Mark Twain · First published 1866 · Genre: Satire, Political Commentary, Humor · 152 words
First lines
Riverdale-on-the-Hudson, OCTOBER 15, 1902.
_The Hon. The Secretary Of The Treasury,_ WASHINGTON, D. C.:
Sir, -- Prices for the customary kinds of winter fuel having reached an altitude which puts them out of the reach of literary persons in straitened circumstances, I desire to place with you the following order:
Forty-five tons best old dry government bonds, suitable for furnace, gold 7 per cents., 1864, preferred.
What this Textopian page supports
A Letter to the Secretary of the Treasury is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mark Twain, dated 1866 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Mark Twain
- Date: 1866 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Political Commentary, Humor, Epistolary, Social Critique
- Length: 152 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Satire — The work uses humor and irony to critique economic policies and the financial system.
- Political Commentary — It addresses issues related to government and economic management, reflecting Twain's views on politics.
- Humor — The absurdity of the request and the playful tone exemplify Twain's comedic style.
- Epistolary — The format of a letter serves as the primary structure for the narrative.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · Politics · Economics · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Humor · Irony · Critique of Capitalism · Government Corruption · Financial Crisis · Letter Writing