The Facts in the Case of the Great Beef Contract
The narrative recounts the convoluted saga of a beef contract originally made by John Wilson Mackenzie, who was tasked with delivering thirty barrels of beef to General Sherman during the Civil War. Mackenzie embarks on a futile journey across the country, attempting to deliver the beef but consistently arriving too late, ultimately leading to his death at the hands of Native Americans. The contract then passes through a series of heirs, each of whom dies before successfully claiming payment from the government. The protagonist inherits the contract from a relative and embarks on a relentless quest to collect the debt owed by the government. He encounters various government officials, each dismissing his claims and redirecting him to other departments, illustrating the bureaucratic inefficiency and absurdity of the system. His persistence leads him through numerous offices, where he faces a series of increasingly ridiculous obstacles, including the need to prove Mackenzie's death and the circumstances surrounding it. Despite his exhaustive efforts, he learns that the government is unlikely to pay for the majority of the beef, only considering compensation for the single barrel captured by Sherman's troops. The protagonist's journey highlights the frustrations of dealing with government bureaucracy, where routine and protocol overshadow common sense and justice. In the end, he is left disillusioned, realizing that the convoluted process he navigated could have been avoided with a more efficient system. The story serves as a satirical commentary on the inefficiencies of government and the often absurd nature of legal and bureaucratic processes.
By Mark Twain · First published 1866 · Genre: Satire, Humor, Political Fiction · 2,939 words
First lines
[Written about 1867.]
In as few words as possible I wish to lay before the nation what's here, howsoever small, I have had in this matter -- this matter which has so exercised the public mind, engendered so much ill-feeling, and so filled the newspapers of both continents with distorted statements and extravagant comments.
What this Textopian page supports
The Facts in the Case of the Great Beef Contract is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mark Twain, dated 1866 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Mark Twain
- Date: 1866 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Humor, Political Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure
- Length: 2,939 words
- Structure: 1 section, 71 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Facts in the Case of the Great Beef Contract by Mark Twain
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Satire — The book critiques government bureaucracy and inefficiency through humor and exaggeration.
- Humor — The narrative employs comedic elements and absurd situations to entertain while conveying a serious message.
- Political Fiction — The story addresses themes of government accountability and the absurdity of political processes.
- Historical Fiction — Set during the American Civil War, it reflects historical events and societal attitudes of the time.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · American Literature · Humor · Politics · Corruption · Business · Economy · Government · Bureaucracy · Satirical Fiction · Farcical