False Greatness

Much of the story is occupied with deconstructing the idea of greatness, as the narrative examines conventional ideas of accomplishment and exposes the inherent flaws within them. The first subject of this dynamic is Mr. Gathergold, who is renowned for his wealth and commercial success. However, the narrative ultimately portrays him as personally marred by his shallow monetary pursuits. The narrative describes his ugly greed as being visible within “the wrinkled shrewdness of that sordid visage” (362) that is his face. Gathergold is portrayed as greedy and selfish, and when he eventually loses his wealth, the residents of the valley are finally able to see that he is not the man of the prophecy. The narrative thereby shows how wealth is not an element of greatness, despite the fact that many people often see it as such.

Through the character of Old Blood-and-Thunder, the narrative deconstructs...