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Clarence is a lesser-known but engaging novel by Bret Harte that explores themes of identity, class, and moral dilemmas in post-Civil War America. The story follows Clarence Dermott, a young man of humble origins who discovers he is the heir to a vast estate, thrusting him into a world of wealth, privilege, and social expectations. As he navigates this new life, Clarence must reconcile his modest upbringing with the demands of high society, all while facing romantic entanglements, family secrets, and ethical challenges. Set against the backdrop of small-town America and infused with Harte’s signature blend of sentiment, irony, and regional realism, the novel offers a thoughtful examination of integrity, self-discovery, and the true measure of character in a rapidly changing world.
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Bret Harte (1836–1902) was born in Albany, New York, and was raised in New York City. He had no formal education, but he inherited a love for books. Harte wrote for the San Franciscan Golden Era paper. There he published his first condensed novels, which were brilliant parodies of the works of well-known authors, such as Dickens and Cooper. Later, he became clerk in the US branch mint. This job gave Harte time to also work for the Overland Monthly, where he published his world-famous “Luck of the Roaring Camp” and commissioned Mark Twain to write weekly articles. In 1871, Harte was hired by the Atlantic Monthly for $10,000 to write twelve stories a year, which was the highest figure paid to an American writer at the time.