The American Claimant

Brief Overview

«The American Claimant» is a satirical novel by Mark Twain that tells the story of an Englishman, Lord Berkeley, and an American inventor and dreamer named Sullivan, who decide to swap places. Lord Berkeley, weary of his aristocratic life, wants to experience a simple life in America, while Sullivan dreams of wealth and fame. Their exchange leads to a series of comedic situations and misunderstandings that mock social norms and class distinctions. The novel explores themes of identity, ambition, and cultural differences, highlighting the absurdity of certain social conventions.