Commerce vs. Authenticity

The book contrasts the commercialism and 'selling' of other states with New Hampshire's pride in having nothing to sell, treating trade as a disgrace and valuing specimens over commodities.

The poem contrasts the commercial boasting of outsiders with New Hampshire's pride in having nothing to sell, and criticizes the shame of trade through the old friend's story.

Brad's insurance fraud and purchase of a telescope highlight the tension between material necessity and genuine curiosity.

Baptiste contrasts the inferior machine-made axe-helve with his own handcrafted, naturally grown hickory helve, emphasizing the value of authentic, artisanal work over commercial products.

The city's expansion and the brook's burial represent the triumph of commercial and industrial progress over authentic, natural experience, leaving only ancient maps as evidence of what was lost.