The two Wealthy Farmers; or, the History of Mr. Bragwell. In Seven Parts
not part of a series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
The Two Wealthy Farmers; or, The History of Mr. Bragwell is a moral tale by Hannah More that explores the themes of wealth, pride, and the true value of contentment. The story follows Mr. Bragwell, a prosperous but arrogant farmer, and his contrasting interactions with his humble and wise friend, Mr. Worthy. Through a series of misfortunes and personal losses, Mr. Bragwell learns the limitations of wealth and the importance of humility and moral integrity. The book, reprinted in 2018, has been carefully processed to preserve its historical content while making it accessible for modern readers. It features leather binding options and customization for collectors.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
17-18
Length
87 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mr. Bragwell
Discussion points
What are the differences between the two farmers' attitudes towards wealth and happiness?
How do you think Mr. Bragwell's actions affect the people around him?
What lessons can we learn from the choices that the farmers make?
Why do you think being wealthy doesn't always lead to happiness?
How would you handle a similar situation if you were one of the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the moral implications of the story by relating the situations to their own experiences. Ask them how they would feel and what choices they might make if they were in the characters' shoes. This not only deepens their understanding of the story but also enhances their empathy and moral reasoning skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of humility over arrogance
Explanation: Mr. Bragwell, one of the wealthy farmers, often boasts about his riches and status, contrasting with Mr. Worthy who remains modest despite his success. This dynamic demonstrates the importance of humility.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own accomplishments without demeaning others, fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment among peers.
Example Lesson: Consequences of greed
Explanation: Mr. Bragwell's excessive pride and greed lead to various personal and financial troubles, highlighting the negative impacts of valuing wealth above all else.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of prioritizing personal values and ethics over materialistic gains, helping them develop a balanced perspective on success and wealth.
Example Lesson: Importance of genuine relationships
Explanation: Throughout the story, genuine friendships and family relations prove more valuable and sustaining than superficial connections based on social status or wealth.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of nurturing true friendships and valuing family bonds, rather than forming relationships based solely on external factors.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Mr. Bragwell’s journey includes several missteps from which he learns valuable life lessons. This narrative arc shows that mistakes are opportunities for growth.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to view their own errors as chances to learn and improve, reducing fear of failure and promoting a growth mindset.
Example Lesson: Practicing empathy and understanding
Explanation: Mr. Worthy often shows empathy towards others, impacting their lives positively, contrasting with Mr. Bragwell’s self-centered behavior.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of considering other people’s feelings and situations, leading to more compassionate interactions and decisions.