Question

presence of mind and positive thinking made john task easy in " best seller ". elaborate highlighting the values depicted by john?

Answer 1

Though John comes as a hypocrite in the story 'Best Seller' we can't overlook his positive mind set and presence of mind in a given situation. It was due to these qualities only that he was successful on the professional as well as home front. Though he fell for Jessie at the first sight, he was straight forward and sincere enough make his point when he met her father Colonel Allyn. Though he was nervous for first few seconds, he used his presence of mind to be truthful if he were to win his approval. John made himself more likable by listening to the stories of him. It was his positive outlook that impressed the Colonel and readily agreed to marry his daughter with him.

Answer 2

Undoubtedly, John was a man of many agreeable qualities. There are two evidences in the story that prove his versatility. The first is his promotion in his company. His performance as a sales man was so good that the company raised his salary regularly; the company also gave him commission.

The second evidence was his success as a lover. The moment he found the lady of his dreams he gave everything to it. He forgot his business engagement and travelled up to Virginia, changing trains at Cincinnati, Shelbyville, and Powhatan, following her in hope of having a word with her. As he followed her up to her house at the top of the hill, he was daunted by the mansion she entered with her father. He decided to stay at Birchton and try his luck with the lady who he had followed from Pittsburgh. Next morning he had his luck. While hanging around her big, stately mansion, he found her alone in the garden. John started conversation pretending he was a stranger. However, the lady, Jessie revealed him she knew he had been chasing her from Pittsburgh.

John bared his soul to her and expressed his intention of courting her. To this she responded by suggesting him to meet his Colonel father. John paid a visit to Colonel Allyn to seek his consent to the proposal to his daughter, Jessie. It was after 45 minutes that his bell was answered. The strict-looking father took him inside. They had a long conversation. John’s honesty, sincerity, and passion not only won the father’s heart, but Jessie’s also. The father happily gave his consent to their wedding. They were happily married. 

Had John not these heart-winning qualities he would neither be successful in his business, nor would win the heart of his soul-mate and her father. His optimism and courageous decisiveness made him successful in all spheres.