Mark Twain's The $30,000 Bequest and Other Stories is a collection of humorous short stories written in the late 19th century, showcasing Twain's sharp social commentary and wit. The opening story, The $30,000 Bequest, revolves around a modest family who becomes embroiled in the whimsical notion of inheriting a fortune from a distant relative. Twain explores how the promise of wealth influences their behavior and relationships, blending humor with insightful critique.
The story begins in the town of Lakeside, introducing Saladin and his wife Electra Foster, who lead a content and simple life. One day, they receive the thrilling news that Tilbury Foster, their reclusive relative, has left them a $30,000 bequest. This unexpected announcement sparks excitement and a whirlwind of possibilities, as the Fosters delve into elaborate discussions about how to spend their potential fortune. Their conversations quickly evolve into a mix of over-the-top plans and absurd dreams.
The humor in the story lies in the stark contrast between their lofty ambitions and the reality of their situation. The Fosters' extravagant schemes and exaggerated expectations offer both entertainment and a reflection on human desires and the pitfalls of material aspirations. Twain masterfully captures the clash between dreams and reality, delivering a tale that is both comical and thought-provoking.

A TELEPHONIC CONVERSATION
EDWARD MILLS AND GEORGE BENTON: A TALE
THE FIVE BOONS OF LIFE
Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV
Chapter V
THE FIRST WRITING-MACHINES
ITALIAN WITHOUT A MASTER
Spettacolli del di 25
Una Principessa
Grave Disgrazia Sul Ponte Vecchio
Revolverate in teatro
ITALIAN WITH GRAMMAR
A BURLESQUE BIOGRAPHY
HOW TO TELL A STORY
The Humorous Story an American Development.?Its Difference from Comic and Witty Stories
THE WOUNDED SOLDIER
THE GOLDEN ARM
GENERAL WASHINGTON'S NEGRO BODY-SERVANT
A Biographical Sketch
WIT INSPIRATIONS OF THE “TWO-YEAR-OLDS”
AN ENTERTAINING ARTICLE
AN ENGLISH CRITIC ON MARK TWAIN
REVIEWS OF NEW BOOKS
(One month later)
(Still later)
A LETTER TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
Riverdale-on-the-Hudson, OCTOBER 15, 1902.
AMENDED OBITUARIES
TO THE EDITOR:
A MONUMENT TO ADAM
A HUMANE WORD FROM SATAN
TO THE EDITOR OF HARPER'S WEEKLY:
INTRODUCTION TO “THE NEW GUIDE OF THE CONVERSATION IN PORTUGUESE AND ENGLISH”
by Pedro Carolino
ADVICE TO LITTLE GIRLS
POST-MORTEM POETRY (1)
DIED
LINES
THE DANGER OF LYING IN BED
PORTRAIT OF KING WILLIAM III
COMMENDATIONS OF THE PORTRAIT
DOES THE RACE OF MAN LOVE A LORD?
EXTRACTS FROM ADAM'S DIARY
KEEP OFF THE GRASS
EVE'S DIARY
EXTRACT FROM ADAM'S DIARY
After the Fall
Forty Years Later
AT EVE'S GRAVE