"Two Boys and a Fortune Or, The Tyler Will" by Matthew White is a novel from the early 20th century that centers on two brothers, Roy and Rex Pell, and their family as they navigate the complexities of an unexpected inheritance from a miserly old man, Mr. Tyler. The story begins with a chance encounter where Roy Pell performs a heroic act by saving Mr. Tyler from a trestle bridge accident. Grateful for Roy's bravery, Mr. Tyler decides to reward the Pell family by leaving his considerable fortune to their mother, setting off a series of emotional and social challenges for the boys.
As the family grapples with newfound wealth, the story delves into themes of family loyalty, moral integrity, and the impact of material gain. The boys' different reactions to their inheritance„one driven by ambition, the other by a desire for simplicity„highlight the tensions that arise when wealth complicates relationships. The novel explores how the dynamics within the Pell family evolve under the weight of their inheritance, while examining the moral dilemmas that come with sudden prosperity.
Matthew White was an author, primarily active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his novels that often explore themes of family dynamics, wealth, morality, and personal growth. His works are marked by their focus on characters grappling with societal expectations, inheritance, and moral dilemmas. White’s writing frequently delves into the complexities of human nature, portraying how individuals respond to the pressures of ambition, social standing, and personal sacrifice. His notable works include "A Born Aristocrat: A Story of the Stage", which explores the conflict between a young man's humble origins and his newfound aristocratic status, and "Two Boys and a Fortune", a story about two brothers who inherit a fortune after performing a heroic act, ultimately examining the impact of wealth and family loyalty. Other works, like "The Affair at Islington" and "Harry Ascott Abroad", similarly address moral choices and the challenges of self-discovery, often set against a backdrop of societal change. White's novels offer keen insights into the struggles individuals face when confronted with the intersection of personal values and societal pressures.