Explain the significance of this quotation: “When he caught his breath, he said, ‘My whole life, I have been treated like a donkey. All I want is that one son of mine - at least one- should live like a man’” (p. 26).

What is implied in this sentence from mark twain's "the ? 1,000,000 bank-note"? i was puzzled, and wanted to discuss the matter a little further, but they didn't; so i took my leave, feeling hurt and insulted to be made the butt of what was apparently some kind of a practical joke, and yet obliged to put up with it, not being in circumstances to resent affronts from rich and strong folk.