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The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg By Mark Twain

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Mark Twain's short story, "The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg," explores the theme of appearance versus reality. The narrator introduces the reader to Hadleyburg and describes it as a town that prides itself on being "the most honest and upright town in all the region round about." However, when a revenge-seeking stranger arrives in town, his actions reveal that the town preaches honesty, but, in reality, it fails to practice this virtue. The reader's first indication that appearance and reality conflict comes when Mary Richards finds herself alone with the sack of gold for the first time. She immediately fears a burglar will break into her home and steal the gold. Her fear implies that despite the town's honest reputation, crime appears

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