THE CONFIDENCE-MAN (Modern Classics Series) (Annotated)

Humor

Literary Classics

THE CONFIDENCE-MAN (Modern Classics Series) (Annotated)

Enriched Edition. Cultural Satire & Metaphysical BookBy Herman Melville

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Length12h 22m

About this audiobook

Set aboard the Mississippi steamboat Fidèle on April Fools' Day, The Confidence-Man is Herman Melville's most enigmatic fiction: a shifting sequence of encounters in which charity, credulity, commerce, religion, and identity are tested by a succession of possible impostors. Its style is brilliantly unstable—satirical dialogue, philosophical parable, theatrical masquerade, and dark comedy—placing it beside antebellum picaresque fiction while anticipating modernist uncertainty and postmodern suspicion of fixed meaning. Melville wrote the novel after the mixed reception of Moby-Dick and the commercial failure of Pierre, at a moment when his confidence in literary markets and democratic ideals had sharply altered. A former sailor, voracious reader, and acute observer of American expansion, speculation, and evangelical reform, he transformed the steamboat—symbol of national motion—into a floating stage for the moral ambiguities of nineteenth-century capitalism. This Modern Classics edition is recommended for readers who value demanding, intellectually provocative fiction. The Confidence-Man resists simple interpretation, but rewards patience with a devastating anatomy of trust and performance in American life. This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience. - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Satire Psychological Identity Betrayal Hidden Identity Antihero

Audiobook details

GenreHumor, Literary Classics

Length12 hrs 22 mins

Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices

FormateBook with Audio

Publish dateMar 17, 2017

LanguageEnglish

1Introduction

2Introduction

3Synopsis

4Historical Context

5Author Biography

Show all chapters

6Chapter 1. A mute goes aboard a boat on the Mississippi

7Chapter 2. Showing that many men have many minds

8Chapter 3. In which a variety of characters appear

9Chapter 4. Renewal of old acquaintance

10Chapter 5. The man with the weed makes it an even question whether he be a great sage or a great simpleton

11Chapter 6. At the outset of which certain passengers prove deaf to the call of charity

12Chapter 7. A gentleman with gold sleeve-buttons

13Chapter 8. A charitable lady

14Chapter 9. Two business men transact a little business

15Chapter 10. In the cabin

16Chapter 11. Only a page or so

17Chapter 12. The story of the unfortunate man, from which may be gathered whether or no he has been justly so entitled

18Chapter 13. The man with the traveling-cap evinces much humanity, and in a way which would seem to show him to be one of the most logical of optimists

19Chapter 14. Worth the consideration of those to whom it may prove worth considering

20Chapter 15. An old miser, upon suitable representations, is prevailed upon to venture an investment

21Chapter 16. A sick man, after some impatience, is induced to become a patient

22Chapter 17. Towards the end of which the Herb-Doctor proves himself a forgiver of injuries

23Chapter 18. Inquest into the true character of the Herb-Doctor

24Chapter 19. A soldier of fortune

25Chapter 20. Reappearance of one who may be remembered

26Chapter 21. A hard case

27Chapter 22. In the polite spirit of the Tusculan disputations

28Chapter 23. In which the powerful effect of natural scenery is evinced in the case of the Missourian, who, in view of the region round about Cairo, has a return of his chilly fit

29Chapter 24. A philanthropist undertakes to convert a misanthrope, but does not get beyond confuting him

30Chapter 25. The Cosmopolitan makes an acquaintance

31Chapter 26. Containing the metaphysics of Indian-hating, according to the views of one evidently not so prepossessed as Rousseau in favor of savages

32Chapter 27. Some account of a man of questionable morality, but who, nevertheless, would seem entitled to the esteem of that eminent English moralist who said he liked a good hater

33Chapter 28. Moot points touching the late Colonel John Moredock

34Chapter 29. The boon companions

35Chapter 30. Opening with a poetical eulogy of the Press and continuing with talk inspired by the same

36Chapter 31. A metamorphosis more surprising than any in Ovid

37Chapter 32. Showing that the age of music and magicians is not yet over

38Chapter 33. Which may pass for whatever it may prove to be worth

39Chapter 34. In which the Cosmopolitan tells the story of the gentleman-madman

40Chapter 35. In which the Cosmopolitan strikingly evinces the artlessness of his nature

41Chapter 36. In which the Cosmopolitan is accosted by a mystic, whereupon ensues pretty much such talk as might be expected

42Chapter 37. The mystical master introduces the practical disciple

43Chapter 38. The disciple unbends, and consents to act a social part

44Chapter 39. The hypothetical friends

45Chapter 40. In which the story of China Aster is, at second-hand, told by one who, while not disapproving the moral, disclaims the spirit of the style

46Chapter 41. Ending with a rupture of the hypothesis

47Chapter 42. Upon the heel of the last scene, the Cosmopolitan enters the barber&#x27;s shop, a benediction on his lips

48Chapter 43. Very charming

49Chapter 44. In which the last three words of the last chapter are made the text of the discourse, which will be sure of receiving more or less attention from those readers who do not skip it

50Chapter 45. The Cosmopolitan increases in seriousness