A Letter by Mark Twain Written
A salient example of the impact of literature created by famous American novelist and humorist, Mark Twain, is the letter he wrote to journalist and publisher, William Dean Howells. This letter illustrated the innermost feelings of Twain, with the words and feelings heartfelt and without any fear of consequences. Explaining the importance of kindness, the letter also depicted how immensely Twain had loved and admired his old friend. He was loyal to Howells and felt immense attachment to him.
The letter also described the beauty of a relationship that is based on respect and admiration for each other. Twain reflected his own anxieties of becoming old, as he expressed his fears to Howells, who was the only one he trusted to offer any fine advice. This letter was not sent, however, since Twain himself felt it was clumsy and too full of emotions that such a display of vulnerability was not suitable for a man of his standing.
Unlike most of his written works which made him famous, the intention of this letter was different. It indicated Twain’s desires to seek solace in his friend’s company and to unburden himself through verbal communication even if it were not feasible to be with him in person. This particular instance was further represented by his statement that he shared his feelings with nobody else but Howells – making it a unique gesture.
Twain managed to capture the essence of a strong bond between two human beings by skilfully writing the letter. He used emotionally triggered words and expressions to depict the power of such a relationship. He even spoke about himself particularly in the third person, his ‘worn-out’ skin against that of Howells’, emphasizing the comparison of their ages – a metaphor for time passing. He wrote of the great difference between their ages and mind-sets, though he ultimately wished to end in his friend’s company with complete sincerity and full of hope.
Through invoking the old-time friendship between Twain and Howells, the difficulty of Twain being distant and Howells being apart, Twain implied his longing for his friend’s presence to soothe his heart; and to relieve any sort of inner suffering. His letters are a representation of affectionate emotion, among many other forms of sentiment, that the two friends shared for each other.
The Influence of Mark Twain’s Writings
Mark Twain is inherently associated with a wide variety of topics ranging from politics, religion and current affairs to contemporary literature. He is largely remembered as a prolific author and is seen as a major figure in the canon of American literature. His opinionated views and his sense of wit, which greatly strengthened his reputation as a novelist, earned him wide acknowledgement and acclaim among readers.
Within the context of the letter Twain wrote to Howells, it is important to note that the letters he functions as a sort of classic American archetype – such as that of a determined and honest individual. Twain’s letter to Howells is a testament to this idea, as it is representative of his strong moral values and his passion for sitting down and writing a genuine letter to a trusted old friend, despite his increasingly busy and hectic life.
The letter serves as a unique collection of Twain’s beliefs, as it is suffused with elements of his typical style and his values in regard to human bonds and relationships. Furthermore, Twain’s style of writing in this particular letter is exposed as a model of technique for aspects including the use of metaphor, eloquent descriptions and the ability to express his views in a lucid and straightforward manner. This is a prominent example of Twain’s style and his classic manner of serving a meaningful message within his writing, and furthermore, exhibits the reverence for authentic relationships in his life.
The Literary Significance of Mark Twain
It is undeniable that Twain remains one of the most prominent figures in the field of literature and his works are continually praised by readers. His legendary novel, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is one of the most renowned children’s stories in history, and his other works including The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn established themselves within both children’s and adult literature. Twain’s works, both novels and non-fiction, explored the human condition and featured various themes about the human experience through his comments and critique about the society he lived in.
Additionally, Twain’s work heavily incorporated his views on morality, society and racial problems. His works, in general, focused on the issues which were uncomfortable to talk about in the society of that time. His outspokenness managed to astonish and showcase the disparities between what certain people did and what they should have done. For example, with the representation of ‘Huck Finn’ who, despite having been brought up with the certain set of principles, goes on his own journey and develops his own sense of morality using his own judgement, consequently, becoming an inspiring role model for the readers.
Twain’s works promise an engaging, thought-provoking and emotionally touching experience for readers, and still continue to resonate among readers even today. His crafted wordsmith and uncanny wit are seen popularly in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and thus, his contemporary relevance still stands. Through his works, he provided readers with enjoyable escape to different settings, expressed his views about several issues, and articulated the importance of the fluidity of morality.
The Social Relevance of Mark Twain
Twain had a great impact on various aspects of the society that included education, environment, and of course writing, which he has always been popularly known for. He had a unique sense of humor that added a distinct flavor to his written works which made them favorite pieces of literature, even in the current day. Additionally, he was an advocate of civil rights, and he stood up against the practices of racism and discrimination against Native Americans, making him a pioneering figure in social movements of those times.
Twain was an active writer and an even more forthright activist. He strongly believed in human integrity and became a person of influence in bringing much needed change in a time where people needed a revolutionary spark of hope and courage. He also wrote humanitarian pieces to promote anti-imperialism, anti-racism, political censorship and particularly in the favour for the Native American community. In short, Twain used his fame to raise a voice and he showed great support for humanitarian causes.
Additionally, he also supported environmental preservation and had worked with organizations such as the National Audobon Society and the Political Environment Action Foundation which aimed to protect the environment and preserve natural habitats. His efforts were further recognised after he was inducted in the National Wildlife Federation’s National Conservation Hall of Fame.
Mark Twain and the Value of Friendship
Twain viewed relationships as an important aspect of life. His letter to Howells replicated his belief that ‘true’ friends are few in this world. He was a strong believer of mutual respect and admiration as the key to strong bonding – providing comfort to his friends and granting solace in his presence. Although the letter was never shared, the fact that it exists represent Twain’s immense respect for Howells.
Through his various public addresses and documents, Twain shared his personal experiences with the audience, without fear of backlash. His insights resonated with the audience, while his prolific works continue to live on and influence readers to this day. In turn, Twain’s works promoted understanding among people and hoped to bring individuals closer.
As seen in the way he writes and speaks of his friend, Howells, Twain was initially looking to bring comfort to his friend, while in physical distance, and to express his own vulnerabilities through his words. His letter to Howells exemplifies the principles Twain held dear – understanding of each other and respect for the bonds that bind us.
The Legacy Left Behind By Mark Twain
Twain is known, not just for his numerous writings, but also for all the humanitarian works he had been part of. He represented a revolutionary figure in the 19th century and in one aspect raised several moralities when it comes to relationships and bonding. Even after death, he is known prominently for his various works, public talks and contributions to remind readers about the values of honesty, morality and understanding for individual freedom.
He has gained large acknowledgement as a prominent and unparalleled figure in American literature and his works are still popular even in the 21st century. His works, both in their literal and metaphorical interpretations, still resonate with the readers today. Twain has inspired many, with his themes of human identity, politics and morality, while the legacy of his works live on, and still continue to surpass expectations.
