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Five Hundred Dollars First published in the "Century Magazine"   By: (1847-1924)

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In "Five Hundred Dollars," Heman White Chaplin takes readers on a captivating journey through the life of an ordinary man, exploring themes of trust, ambition, and the struggle for financial security. Originally published in the "Century Magazine," this thought-provoking short story delves deep into the complexities of human nature, leaving readers with a lingering sense of reflection.

The story revolves around the character of a hardworking clerk, Mr. Follingsbee, who unexpectedly receives a substantial sum of money. With five hundred dollars in his possession, Mr. Follingsbee is faced with the choice of either using it to better his own life or to help those around him. What unfolds is a series of moral dilemmas, as financial hardship, dishonesty, and a relentless pursuit of wealth put the protagonist's character to the test.

One of the true strengths of Chaplin's writing is his ability to create relatable and believable characters. From Mr. Follingsbee to his acquaintances, each individual embodies human flaws and virtues, making them feel remarkably real. Mr. Follingsbee's internal struggle as he grapples with the temptation to indulge his own desires versus using the money to aid others, serves as a poignant reflection of the ethical choices we all face in life.

Furthermore, through vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue, Chaplin paints a vivid picture of the era in which the story is set. The readers are transported to a time of social and economic turbulence, where the divide between the haves and the have-nots is starkly evident. This historical backdrop adds depth to the narrative, enhancing the readers' connection to the characters and their circumstances.

Chaplin's prose is smooth and eloquent, guiding readers through the story with ease. His insight into the human condition is thoughtfully conveyed, offering readers plenty of food for thought. "Five Hundred Dollars" raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of wealth, the power of humility, and the importance of personal integrity. It subtly reminds us that money, though a necessity, can also hold the potential to either uplift or corrupt.

However, the story does have its drawbacks. The pacing, while generally steady, occasionally becomes sluggish in certain sections, hindering the story's overall momentum. Additionally, some readers may find certain plot developments predictable, particularly in the latter half of the narrative, which may dampen the element of surprise.

Despite these minor shortcomings, "Five Hundred Dollars" remains a compelling read that forces readers to ponder the moral complexities of wealth and its influence on human behavior. Heman White Chaplin's ability to create relatable characters amidst an engaging plot is truly commendable. This short story is a testament to the enduring power of literature, leaving readers with a renewed appreciation for the intricacies of the human psyche and the choices we make.

First Page:

FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS

By Heman White Chaplin

1887

First published in the "Century Magazine."

I.

Captain Philo's sail loft was a pleasant place to sit in, and it was much frequented. At one end was a wide, sliding door, that opened on the water, and through it you saw the little harbor and the low, glistening sand bar at its entrance, and whitecaps in the sea beyond, and shining sails. At the other end another wide door led, by a gently descending cleated platform, to the ground.

It was a pleasant place to rest and refresh the mind in, whether you chose to look in or out. You could rock in the hair cloth chair by the water door, and join in conversation with more active persons mending seines upon the wharf; or you could dangle your heels from the work bench, and listen to stories and debates inside, and look on Captain Philo sewing upon a mainsail.

It was a summer afternoon: warm under the silver poplars, hot in the store, and hotter in the open street; but in the sail loft it was cool.

"More than once," Captain Bennett was remarking from the rocking chair, while his prunella shoes went up and down, "more than once I've wished that I could freight this loft to Calcutta on speculation, and let it out, so much a head, for so long a time, to set in and cool off."

"How about them porious water jars they hev there?" asked Uncle Silas, who had never sailed beyond Cape Pogue; "how do they work?"

"Well," said the captain, "they 're so so... Continue reading book >>




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