The Widow's Protest by Mark Twain
The narrative centers on a widow, Mrs. Murphy, whose husband, Dan, served valiantly in the war. After sustaining injuries, Dan transitioned from soldier to sutler, earning money that he sent home to his wife, who was frugal due to her past hardships. As her savings grew, so did her reluctance to spend, driven by a fear of returning to poverty. Upon Dan's death, the community, honoring his service, offered to embalm him and send his body home, a gesture that was not common for soldiers of his status. Mrs. Murphy, unaware of the costs involved, eagerly accepted the offer, believing it would be affordable. However, when the bill for embalming arrived at the wake, she was devastated to learn it was $75, a sum she deemed exorbitant for what she considered an unnecessary expense. Her reaction was one of despair and outrage, expressing her disbelief that anyone would expect her to pay such a price for her husband's remains. The scene captures the emotional weight of her loss, juxtaposed with her financial constraints and the societal expectations surrounding death and mourning. The community's sympathy for her plight highlights the tension between personal grief and the harsh realities of financial burdens, ultimately illustrating the struggles of those left behind in the wake of war.
By Mark Twain · First published 1880 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Satire, Historical Fiction · 371 words
First lines
One of the saddest things that ever came under my notice (said the banker's clerk) was there in Corning during the war. Dan Murphy enlisted as a private, and fought very bravely. The boys all liked him, and when a wound by and by weakened him down till carrying a musket was too heavy work for him, they clubbed together and fixed him up as a sutler. He made money then, and sent it always to his wife to bank for him. She was a washer and ironer, and knew enough by hard experience to keep money when she got it. She didn't waste a penny.
What this Textopian page supports
The Widow's Protest 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: Literary Fiction, Satire, Historical Fiction, Tragedy, Short Story
- Length: 371 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores deep emotional themes and character development, typical of literary fiction.
- Satire — The story critiques societal norms and the absurdity of certain customs, characteristic of Twain's satirical style.
- Historical Fiction — Set during the war, it reflects historical contexts and the impact of war on individuals.
- Tragedy — The widow's plight and emotional suffering highlight tragic elements in the narrative.
Tags
Social Commentary · Satire · American Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Widowhood · Marriage · Family Dynamics · Societal Expectations · Feminism · Critique of Patriarchy · Morality · Ethics