A Common Level

Overview

Cruel and ignorant, Matthew Ryan threatens to destroy his business competitor, Schuyler, unless Schuyler's daughter Marion succumbs to his demands, Marion likens Ryan to Attila the Hun. Puzzled by Marion's reference, Ryan returns home to read an account of Attila. Falling asleep while reading, he dreams of a mysterious figure who draws parallels between Ryan and Attila. Attila is depicted as a cruel and brutish figure who wreaks havoc across the Eastern Empire, until finally meeting his death at the hands of his abused bride. Upon awakening, Ryan is so deeply affected by his experiences that he begs forgiveness for his vicious behavior and frees Marion from his demands.