'Charge It': Keeping Up With Harry

"Charge It" by Irving Bacheller is a humorous tale set in the early 1900s, exploring the perils of materialism through the chaotic life of its main character, Harry. With the backing of the pragmatic Honorable Socrates Potter, Harry's escapades expose the superficiality of wealth and the anxiety of social expectations. The story begins with Harry and Socrates in a whirl of shopping sprees, marked by Harry’s signature phrase, “Charge it,” which underscores his irresponsible spending habits. Throughout their adventures, including car mishaps and frantic social engagements like a crucial bridge party, Harry's reckless character is shown. Simultaneously, Socrates offers a counterpoint, reflecting on the moral questions raised by their extravagant behavior, setting the stage for exploring the conflicts between personal values and societal pressures.