From Apprenticeship to Adulthood
Mark Twain is remembered today for being a renowned American author and humorist. Before he became one the most celebrated figures of the 19th century, Twain was a cub pilot. When Twain was later asked why he had chosen this career, he said “It was the easiest way I could think of to make a living.”
Twain was born Samuel Langhorne Clemens on November 30th 1835 in Florida. When he was twelve years old, Twain moved to Hannibal, Missouri – a small river town on the Mississippi river – with his family, who were also river dwellers. Although Twain’s education was limited, he learned to read, write, and do arithmetic. During his teenage years, Twain took jobs in various stores in Hannibal.
At the age of nineteen, Twain decided he wanted to become a steamboat pilot. He immediately applied for work on the steamer Pennsylvania, which was captained by Horace Bixby who agreed to teach him the arts of piloting. Those who worked on the river at the time felt that the river boat pilots were the smartest and most experienced of all the professionals. But before anyone could become a pilots, they had to go through years of apprenticeship.
Twain was described as an international student, because he was curious, eager, and attentive – something Bixby immediately recognized. Although Twain practiced maneuvering the boat under Bixby’s supervision, he also kept a journal of his piloting experience. Twain quickly learned the routes between St. Louis, New Orleans, and intermediate ports of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, and the navigational hazards associated with each of them.
Nine months into his apprenticeship, Twain became a certified steamboat pilot. But his career as a pilot was short-lived due to the Civil War, so he soon returned to his hometown of Hannibal. After the war, Twain discovered that money could be made by selling his writing. From there, Twain developed and began his career as an author and humorist.
Twain’s Influence in Literature
It’s difficult to properly quantify Mark Twain’s influence in literature, as his works were so far-reaching in so many topics, but there’s no doubt that he was a huge influence to authors and other professionals in the entertainment industry. Twain’s ability to convey humour through his writing – even in the bleakest of subjects – remains unmatched.
Twain is best-known for his novels, such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Life on the Mississippi, and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, but he is also admired for influencing American culture with his essays, stories and non-fiction books, such as A Tramp Abroad, The Prince and the Pauper and Roughing It. Twain’s works often depicted the realities of life for Americans during the late 19th century, providing commentary on injustices and the lawlessness in society.
The passion and enthusiasm for writing that Twain possessed is an invaluable gift. As he once said, “Write without pay until somebody offers pay. If nobody offers within three years, sawing wood is what you were intended for.” It’s easy to see why Twain is still one of America’s most beloved authors.
Twain’s Humour
Mark Twain often incorporated humour into his writing. His works often highlighted his views on society and politics, often using satire and irony to subtlety criticize the establishment. Twain was a master at using comedic timing and puns in his writing, making the most mundane situations appear humorous.
One of Twain’s most famous works, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, was a light-hearted comedy which followed the escapades of Tom Sawyer as he and his friends have a series of misadventures on the Mississippi river. Twain also used humour to address issues that were relevant to the time, such as racism and slavery. In Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Twain explored the hypocrisy of racism by satirizing the white characters who were ignorant of their own prejudice or chose to stay ignorant of it.
Legacy
Mark Twain’s legacy as a writer remains to this day. His stories have been adapted into films and plays, and his words still inspire children and adults alike. Aside from being an author, Twain was also an activist and worked to promote social change. He was a passionate supporter of minority rights, including Native American rights and women’s rights. Even after his death, Twain’s work continues to embody his life and teachings, and his influence on literature continues to this day.
Twain’s Inspiration
Twain was greatly inspired by his childhood experiences living on the Mississippi, which revealed the essence of the American spirit. His humour was often derived from his life on the river, and his writings served as a way to process the American identity in a humorous way. Twain attributed his success to his river-faring experiences and the people he encountered along the way.
He was inspired by his relations with the people he worked alongside, and he often wrote about their experiences as a way to preserve them and give them a voice. From the deckhands to the cooks, Twain drew on their stories in his writings, and their influence can be felt in his works to this day.
Twain’s Piloting Experiences
Twain’s experiences as a riverboat pilot which provided the backdrop for many of his works, such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Life on the Mississippi. While life on a steamboat appears romantic and lighthearted, Twain also paints a more sobering and realistic picture of the exhausting and often dangerous nature of the job.
Twain was a meticulous observer, often noting the details of the people he encountered and the hazardous conditions of navigating the murky waters. His accounts provide the reader with an insider perspective of what life was really like on the Mississippi river.
Twain’s Writing Style
Twain was known for his keen eye and sharp wit. His writing style was as unique as his life experiences, and he was able to capture the essence of river life in his works. In addition to being an adept storyteller, Twain was well-versed in humour and satire, which allowed him to tackle difficult topics with a lighthearted and often comedic approach.
Twain was also a master at playing with words. From puns to puns and witty one-liners, Twain displays his knack for wordplay in many of his stories. His ability to express complex ideas in a simple, witty manner is what makes his works so timeless and appealing.
Conclusion
Mark Twain’s influence on literature and American culture was immense, and his work continues to be relevant to this day. From his adventures on the river as a cub pilot to his career as an author, Twain’s life experiences provided him with a unique perspective and style that made his works so endearing. His keen eye for details, his wit and humour, and his quirkiness all contribute to the timelessness of his work. Twain’s legacy remains, and his influence continues to be felt in literature today.
