The Life Policy by Samuel Warren
The narrative unfolds within the context of a legal firm, where the protagonist, an attorney, recounts a series of events involving a client, Jesse Andrews. Andrews, facing financial difficulties, learns of an annuity left for his son, Archibald, by a wealthy cousin. However, Andrews expresses disappointment, hoping for a larger sum to invest in a business venture. As the story progresses, Andrews's son tragically dies from cholera shortly after an insurance policy is taken out on his life. The insurance company, suspicious of the timing, refuses to pay the claim, prompting Andrews to seek legal assistance. The attorney investigates and finds that the boy's death was indeed due to cholera, leading to a lawsuit against the insurance company, which ultimately results in a payout. However, Andrews's fortunes take a dark turn when he reveals to the attorney that he had orchestrated a scheme involving the death of another boy, passing him off as his own to collect the insurance money. This revelation complicates matters, as Andrews grapples with guilt and the implications of his actions. The attorney, faced with a moral dilemma, devises a plan to protect the innocent child while ensuring that the insurance payout is returned to the rightful party. Andrews is advised to leave the country to avoid legal repercussions, and the attorney successfully negotiates the return of the insurance money without implicating Andrews. In the end, the true identity of the boy is established, and the rightful heir receives his inheritance. Andrews, however, is left to live with the consequences of his actions, marked by the shame of his deceit. The story serves as a commentary on the complexities of morality, the legal system, and the human condition, illustrating how greed can lead to one's downfall while also highlighting the role of the attorney as a protector of the innocent amidst the murky waters of legal and ethical dilemmas.
By Samuel Warren · First published 1853 · Genre: Legal Fiction, Drama, Mystery · 5,299 words
First lines
Besides being the confidential advisers, attorneys are the "confessors" of modern England; and the revelations -- delicate, serious, not unfrequently involving life as well as fortune and character -- confided to the purchased fidelity and professional honor of men whom romancers of all ages have stereotyped as the ghouls and vampires of civilized society, are, it is impossible to deny, as rarely divulged as those which the penitents of the Greek and Latin churches impart to their spiritual guides and helpers; and this possibly for the somewhat vulgar, but very sufficient reason, that "a breach of confidence" would as certainly involve the professional ruin of an attorney as the commission of a felony. An able but eccentric jurisconsult, Mr. Jeremy Bentham, was desirous that attorneys should be compelled to disclose on oath whatever guilty secrets might be confided to them by their clients; the only objection to which ingenious device for the conviction of rogues being, that if such a power existed, there would be no secrets to disclose; and, as a necessary consequence, that the imperfectly-informed attorney would be unable to render his client the justice to which every person, however criminal, is clearly entitled -- that of having his or her case presented before the court appointed to decide upon it in the best and most advantageous manner possible. Let it not be forgotten either that the attorney is the only real, practical defender of the humble and needy against the illegal oppressions of the rich and powerful -- the shrewd, indomitable agent who gives prosaic reality to the figurative eloquence of old Chancellor Fortescue, when he says, "that the lightning may flash through, the thunder shake, the tempest beat, upon the English peasant's hut, but the king of England, with all his army, cannot lift the latch to enter in."
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Genres
- Legal Fiction — The narrative revolves around legal matters, including life insurance, attorney-client relationships, and courtroom dynamics.
- Drama — The story explores intense emotional conflicts, personal tragedies, and moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
- Mystery — The plot involves uncovering the truth behind a child's death and the subsequent insurance claim, creating suspense and intrigue.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques societal norms, the legal profession, and the moral implications of wealth and responsibility.
Tags
insurance · life policy · financial planning · risk management · investment · beneficiary · premium · coverage · policyholder · claims · underwriting · mortality
What this Textopian page supports
The Life Policy is listed on Textopian as a short story by Samuel Warren, dated 1853 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Samuel Warren
- Date: 1853 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Legal Fiction, Drama, Mystery, Social Commentary, Tragedy
- Length: 5,299 words
- Structure: 1 section, 91 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Life Policy by Samuel Warren
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