O Mandarim

''O Mandarim'' by Eça de Queirós is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Theodoro, a humble clerk in Portugal who, after reading about a fantastically rich Mandarim in China, finds himself enchanted and ultimately entangled in a moral dilemma tied to his newfound wealth. The narrative explores themes of ambition, desire, and the consequences of one's actions, particularly regarding the death of the Mandarim and the wealth that comes as a result. The opening of the novel introduces Theodoro, a man content with his modest life, who shares a boarding house with a friend and a fellow clerk. The routine of his existence is interrupted when he reads an extraordinary passage about a Mandarim who will die at the sound of a bell, bequeathing immense riches to the one who tolls it. This discovery ignites a fierce internal struggle between Theodoro's mundane life and his latent ambitions. Engaging with these themes, the excerpt sets the stage for Theodoro's eventual decision, hinting at a tantalizing exploration of wealth and morality that will unfold throughout the narrative.