Five Hundred Dollars; or, Jacob Marlowe's Secret

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

21270

Title

Five Hundred Dollars; or, Jacob Marlowe's Secret

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this classic tale of moral integrity and social mobility, a poor boy named Bert Barton navigates the challenges of poverty while uncovering a family secret. When his wealthy uncle, Jacob Marlowe, returns to town disguised as a tramp, Bert's honesty and kindness contrast sharply with the arrogance of his rich cousin. Through a series of trials involving stolen money and false accusations, Bert proves his character, ultimately revealing that his humble uncle is actually a wealthy man testing the...

Summary up to 500 words

In *Five Hundred Dollars; or, Jacob Marlowe's Secret*, Horatio Alger Jr. weaves a tale of moral integrity, hidden wealth, and the dangers of judging by appearances. The story centers on Bert Barton, a fifteen-year-old boy living in poverty with his widowed mother in Lakeville. His wealthy but arrogant cousin, Percy Marlowe, looks down on those of lower station, while Bert maintains a spirit of kindness and diligence. The narrative begins with the return of Bert's elderly uncle, Jacob Marlowe, who appears as a shabby tramp after twenty years away. While Percy treats him with disdain, Bert welcomes him warmly, demonstrating his character before the truth of his uncle's identity is revealed. The plot thickens as Bert works for a miserly farmer, Silas Wilson, who loses his wallet. Bert finds it but refuses a reward, highlighting his honesty. Later, Bert discovers that Wilson's son, Phineas, has returned home in disgrace and is suspected of theft. Despite the risk, Bert secretly feeds and hides Phineas from his angry father, showcasing his compassion. Meanwhile, Uncle Jacob, who is actually a millionaire from California, observes the family dynamics, testing the loyalty of his relatives. A major conflict arises when John Barton, Bert's mother's former employer, is accused of stealing bonds ten years prior. Squire Marlowe, Bert's wealthy cousin, attempts to frame Barton to protect his own reputation. Bert travels to New York to find a witness, Ralph Harding, who clears Barton's name and implicates Squire Marlowe as the true thief. In a dramatic conclusion, Uncle Jacob reveals his true wealth, having tested his family's character. He buys the Squire's factory and house, transferring ownership to the innocent John Barton. The story ends with the virtuous Barton family rising in status, while the greedy Squire Marlowe is left destitute and unhappy. The novel emphasizes themes of honesty, the dangers of judging by appearances, and the rewards of moral integrity over social standing.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/21270.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg21270.epub

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Categories

• Fiction
• Actors
• Conduct of Life
• Uncles