- description
- # CHAPTER XL.
IN WHICH THE STORY OF CHINA ASTER IS AT SECOND-HAND TOLD BY ONE WHO, WHILE NOT DISAPPROVING THE MORAL, DISCLAIMS THE SPIRIT OF THE STYLE.
## Overview
This is Chapter XL of Herman Melville's novel, [THE CONFIDENCE-MAN: HIS MASQUERADE.](arke:01KG8AJ86G6HP7TCHND218MWGA). It spans lines 9060 to 9600 of the source text, [the_confidence_man.txt](arke:01KG89J1JMR8XVKPA0G8ADAPC4).
## Context
This chapter is part of the larger work, [THE CONFIDENCE-MAN: HIS MASQUERADE.](arke:01KG8AJ86G6HP7TCHND218MWGA), which is included in the [Melville Complete Works](arke:01KG89HMDZKNY753EZE1CJ8HZW) collection. It follows [CHAPTER XXXIX.](arke:01KG8AJNPWP0B2HPCXT5FFMVZS) and precedes [CHAPTER XLI.](arke:01KG8AJNPW2ZJ603XV8VPNVD5T) within the novel's structure.
## Contents
Chapter XL recounts the cautionary tale of China Aster, a candle-maker, and his interactions with his friend Orchis, a shoemaker who unexpectedly comes into wealth. The narrative explores themes of trust, financial dealings, and differing philosophies on life and business, particularly through the advice offered by characters named Old Plain Talk and Old Prudence. The story details China Aster's financial struggles after accepting a loan from Orchis, his subsequent attempts to rebuild his business, and the eventual tragic consequences of his decisions, culminating in an epitaph that reflects on the dangers of "free indulgence of confidence" and an "ardently bright view of life."
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- CHAPTER XL.
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- 9060
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- title
- CHAPTER XL.
IN WHICH THE STORY OF CHINA ASTER IS AT SECOND-HAND TOLD BY ONE WHO,
WHILE NOT DISAPPROVING THE MORAL, DISCLAIMS THE SPIRIT OF THE STYLE.