Two distant cousins, Edward Mills and George Benton, are orphaned as babies and adopted by the Brants, who instill in them values of purity, honesty, sobriety, industriousness, and consideration for others. Edward embodies these principles, becoming a source of comfort and reliability, while George is troublesome and irresponsible, often requiring indulgence from the Brants. As they grow, Edward works diligently and becomes a partner in his master's business, while George repeatedly runs away and engages in reckless behavior. Upon the Brants' death, their will favors George, who must buy out Edward's share of the business. Edward dutifully supports George, who soon succumbs to alcoholism and gambling, leading to financial ruin for both. Edward struggles to find work, while George receives sympathy and support from the community despite his repeated failures. George's public persona as a reformed drunkard earns him attention and opportunities, while Edward's hard work goes unnoticed. Tragedy strikes when Edward is murdered by burglars while protecting the bank's secrets. The community rallies to support Edward's family, but George, the murderer, becomes the focus of public sympathy during his trial. Despite his guilt, George's newfound religious fervor garners him a following, and he is ultimately sentenced to death. His execution is met with public mourning, while Edward's legacy is overshadowed. In the end, Edward's values are memorialized, but his family faces hardship, contrasting sharply with the community's adulation of George, who is remembered as a tragic figure despite his crimes. The story critiques societal values that reward failure and overlook true virtue, highlighting the disparity between public perception and personal integrity.
By Mark Twain · First published 1880 · Genre: Satire, Moral Tale, Tragedy