Background Information
Mark Twain was one of the 19th century’s greatest authors, most well-known for his books The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. He was born in 1835, in California, and died in 1910. He first gained fame for his short stories and novels, but he is also renowned for his captivating lectures, essays, and fables. A fable, according to the The Oxford English Dictionary, is a “short story, devised to teach a moral lesson.
A Fable Mark Twain Summary
The fable Mark Twain wrote, titled “The Golden Arm,” is set in a small country village. A superstition in the village states that if one receives a gold arm while buried, it will guarantee a miracle in the near future. One night, an old man digs up his wife’s grave and finds a beautiful golden arm in the coffin. Initially, the old man rejoices on finding the golden arm but then quickly realizes the implications of digging up a graveyard. As he panics, a lightning bolt pierces the sky and strikes the ground.
When the old man goes back to his house, he fears that he will be cursed for having disturbed the dead. He is surprised to find a large pile of gold coins lying on his doorstep. Encouraged by the miraculous find, he starts to glorify himself for having the valuable golden arm. But soon he learns about the consequences of his actions as three livid ghosts appear as an outcome of his greed.
The old man begs them to spare him from their wrath, and the ghosts agree; however, they give him three days to return the arm or he will have to face their wrath. Unable to keep or use the gold, the old man humbly returns to the graveyard and places the golden arm back in the coffin, signifying to the effect that one should never try to manipulate the law of nature and that graveyard is a place of peace.
Reception of the Fable
The fable Mark Twain wrote received a lot of praise from a wide range of audiences. It was appreciated for its entertaining plot and well-developed characters as well as its ability to portray moral lessons in an amusing manner. Most viewers got the message that Twain cleverly encoded in the story – never attempt to disturb nature or try to manipulate the law of nature; the consequences can be dire.
Over the years, the fable has become a timeless classic with its teaching becoming more and more relevant in today’s world. Twain’s fables have been adapted into various forms, including movies, plays, and podcasts.
Follow-up works by Twain
After the success of “The Golden Arm,” Twain created several other fables, all with the same purpose of teaching an important lesson. One of his most well-known fables is “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”, a short story about a man trying to win a jumping frog contest. Twain also wrote a series of children’s stories, such as “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”. These stories aim to provide lessons about humanity and morality to younger readers.
Twain’s Writing Style
Twain’s writing style is often characterized by its humor and wit. He used satire to make his stories more accessible to readers and to make a point without being too heavy-handed. He also used regional vernacular, a language specific to a region or culture, to give his characters a unique voice. This made his stories more realistic and relatable to readers.
Analysis & Insight
Mark Twain’s fables are still widely celebrated due to the timelessness of their lessons. His writing style encouraged readers to think critically and reflect on their own morals and values. His stories often incorporated regional language, which made them more accessible to different audiences and spoke to the universality of Twain’s message.
Legacy Of Mark Twain’s Fables
The legacy of Mark Twain’s fables continues to be felt in modern culture. His stories have been adapted for television, film, and radio, and are often re-published in books. They are widely used in classrooms to teach students about morality and the consequences of their actions. The messages in Twain’s fables are just as pertinent today as they were in the 19th century and will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Interpretation of the Fable
Mark Twain’s fable is still relevant today due to its simplistic message of morality. It demonstrates the danger of ignoring the laws of nature. The old man’s attempt to manipulate these laws resulted in his frightful encounter with three ghosts and taught him to respect the dead.
The message in this fable is still applicable today, as people are often tempted to reclaim what is lost or never had, or seek out something bigger and better. This can lead to unforeseen consequences, and it’s important to consider the consequences of our actions before making decisions.
Real-world Application Of Mark Twain’s Fables
Mark Twain’s fables are applicable to many real-world scenarios. For instance, the fable can be used to teach students about the consequences of cheating on exams or about the negative effects of addiction. It can also be used to discuss environmental protection and the importance of respecting nature.
The messages in Twain’s fables can be used to teach people about morality, ethics, and empathy. His stories are a great starting point for discussions about the importance of understanding the law of nature and the implications of disregarding it.
Effects Of Moral Lesson Of Twain’s Fables
The moral lesson of Mark Twain’s fables can have a profound effect on readers. It can lead them to a deeper understanding of morality, as well as encourage them to think critically and face the consequences of their actions. The message in Twain’s fables is timeless, and is as pertinent today as it was in the 19th century. His stories have been enjoyed by readers of all ages and will continue to be a classic for generations to come.
