Luck by Mark Twain (1880)
The narrative unfolds at a banquet in London honoring a celebrated military figure, referred to as Lieutenant-General Lord Arthur Scoresby. The narrator, captivated by Scoresby's presence, learns from a clergyman that Scoresby's success is largely due to extraordinary luck rather than merit. The clergyman recounts his experience as an instructor at Woolwich, where Scoresby, during his examinations, displayed remarkable ignorance compared to his peers. Despite his lack of knowledge, Scoresby miraculously passes his exams, aided by the clergyman's focused cramming on specific topics. This pattern of luck continues throughout Scoresby's military career, where he consistently avoids exposure of his incompetence. As the Crimean War begins, Scoresby is unexpectedly promoted to captaincy, a position that the clergyman believes is far beyond his capabilities. The clergyman, feeling responsible for Scoresby’s rise, joins him in the field to mitigate potential disasters. However, Scoresby’s blunders are misinterpreted as acts of genius by his superiors, leading to further promotions and accolades. During a critical battle, Scoresby mistakenly orders a charge in the wrong direction, which inadvertently leads to a significant victory for the allies. His blunder is misread as strategic brilliance, resulting in further honors and decorations. The clergyman reflects on Scoresby’s career, noting that every commendation he received was tied to a foolish mistake, underscoring the theme that luck can overshadow competence. Ultimately, the story critiques the nature of success and the role of luck in achieving greatness, suggesting that being fortunate can sometimes outweigh actual skill or intelligence in determining one's fate. Scoresby remains a likable but incompetent figure, emblematic of the absurdity of how luck can shape one's destiny in the military and beyond.
By Mark Twain · First published 1880 · Genre: Satire, Humor, Fiction · 1,942 words
First lines
(NOTE. -- This is not a fancy sketch. I got it from a clergyman who was an instructor at Woolwich forty years ago, and who vouched for its truth. -- M. T.)
What this Textopian page supports
Luck 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, Humor, Fiction, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction
- Length: 1,942 words
- Structure: 1 section, 18 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Luck by Mark Twain
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Luck?
- How does this short story by Mark Twain fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Satire — The story critiques the concept of meritocracy and highlights the absurdity of luck in achieving success.
- Humor — The narrative employs comedic elements through the protagonist's blunders and the ironic outcomes of his actions.
- Fiction — The work is a fictional account that explores themes of luck and incompetence within a military context.
- Social Commentary — The story comments on societal perceptions of success and the arbitrary nature of recognition and honor.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · American Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Morality Tale · Coming of Age · Adventure · Travelogue · Philosophy · Existentialism