Analysis

• What is the main discovery Henry Adams makes about the million-pound banknote?


  Henry learns that he doesn't need to spend money; he can simply show the banknote, and people will trust that he has the money to make purchases.
• How does the landlord react when Henry shows the million-pound banknote?


  The landlord is frozen in awe, almost worshiping the note and unable to move.
• How does Henry Adams use the million-pound banknote to his advantage?

  Henry uses the note to live like a king, enjoying luxury and getting credit without having to spend any actual money.
• What message is Mark Twain conveying through the story?

  Twain is critiquing the idolization of money in British society, showing that people treat Henry with respect and honor because of the value of the banknote, not because of who he really is.
• What is the main theme of the story involving Henry Adams and the million-pound banknote?

  The theme is the power of money and how society values wealth over individual worth.
• How do people in British society react to Henry because of the banknote?


  People, including the hotel landlord and aristocrats, are in awe of him and treat him as an important figure simply because of the banknote.
• How does Henry feel about how he's treated while holding the million-pound banknote?


  Henry realizes that if he were his poor self, no one would pay attention to him, but with the banknote, he is treated as important and respected.
• What literary technique does Twain frequently use in the story to emphasize Henry's desperation?

  Twain uses hyperbole, exaggerating Henry's emotions and desires to highlight his desperation, such as describing his hunger for a pear as his "whole being begged for it."
• How does Twain use hyperbole to portray Henry's character?

  Hyperbole is used to show Henry’s extreme emotions, like his intense hunger and impulsive love for Portia, emphasizing his desperation and youthful immaturity.
• What is Twain’s purpose in satirizing British society in the story?

  Twain mocks the British obsession with social rank, as seen in the humorously exaggerated situation where a dinner is canceled because of a dispute over precedence.
• How does Twain satirize the emotions of youth in the story?

  Twain exaggerates Henry’s feelings, like his instant love for Portia, to poke fun at the impulsive and exaggerated emotions often experienced by young people.
• • What is an example of Twain’s lighthearted satire of British society?

  Twain humorously comments on the English system of social precedence, describing how dinner plans are ruined because they couldn't settle rank: "The usual thing happened, the thing that is always happening under that vicious and aggravating English system."
• How does Twain's use of hyperbole affect the portrayal of Henry’s emotions?

  The hyperbole makes Henry's emotions appear over-the-top and exaggerated, reflecting the immaturity and inexperience of youth.