Edward Mills and George Benton: a Tale
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 · 2,697 words
First lines
These two were distantly related to each other -- seventh cousins, or something of that sort. While still babies they became orphans, and were adopted by the Brants, a childless couple, who quickly grew very fond of them. The Brants were always saying: "Be pure, honest, sober, industrious, and considerate of others, and success in life is assured. " The children heard this repeated some thousands of times before they understood it; they could repeat it themselves long before they could say the Lord's Prayer; it was painted over the nursery door, and was about the first thing they learned to read. It was destined to be the unswerving rule of Edward Mills's life. Sometimes the Brants changed the wording a little, and said: "Be pure, honest, sober, industrious, considerate, and you will never lack friends."
What this Textopian page supports
Edward Mills and George Benton: a Tale is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mark Twain, dated 1880 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: 1880 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Moral Tale, Tragedy, Social Commentary, Fiction
- Length: 2,697 words
- Structure: 1 section, 22 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Edward Mills and George Benton: a Tale by Mark Twain
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Edward Mills and George Benton: a Tale?
- How does this short story by Mark Twain fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Rogers by Mark Twain
- According To Their Lights by O. Henry
- His Native Heath by Joseph C. Lincoln
- A Shilling Of Halfpence by Mary Louisa Molesworth
- Aurelias Unfortunate Young Man by Mark Twain
- Two Boys At Grinder Brothers by Henry Lawson
Genres
- Satire — The story critiques societal values and moral hypocrisy, particularly in the contrasting lives of Edward and George.
- Moral Tale — The narrative emphasizes moral lessons about virtue, hard work, and the consequences of vice.
- Tragedy — The story depicts the tragic downfall of George and the unjust fate of Edward, highlighting themes of fate and moral failure.
- Social Commentary — The work comments on social attitudes towards poverty, crime, and redemption, reflecting on societal responses to individual actions.
Tags
American Literature · Coming-of-Age Story · Friendship · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Young Adult Fiction · Adventure · Mentorship · Self-Discovery · Growing Up · Realism