Unveiling the Mysterious Medieval Romance from Mark Twain
Mark Twain is best known for his witty, controversial writings, but he had a hidden side, one that was passionate about medieval romances.
Twain wrote several short stories that combined Medieval and Romantic elements, some of which were published in the early editions of Twain’s anti-slavery newspaper, The Earth. The stories were often written from his own personal experience, though blended with a fantastical twist.
A typical Twain story began with an idealistic Medieval setting. The protagonist and hero was usually a knight or a scholar, a seeker of truth and justice, who bravely defended the honor of a particular person or kingdom. A romantic subplot would also be present, often featuring a female character from which the hero must be redeemed.
Though Twain was criticized for writing about Medieval characters and events, he ultimately used them to make a point about contemporary society and to lay the groundwork for his fight against slavery. He put an emphasis on the destitution of the times and the vices of those in power. While focusing on character behaviors, he also highlighted their loyalty and compassion, in ways that showed their humanity.
In one of his most widely known works, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, Twain employs a good dose of his trademark wit and sarcasm. The protagonist arrives in Camelot to find a court of crass, superstitious knights intent on burning women at the stake. Through the protagonist’s modern reasoning and a series of humorous misunderstandings, he is able to persuade the court to free the women, much to their astonishment.
Many literary scholars believe that A Connecticut Yankee was an allegorical statement, in which the modern civilization of the Northern United States represented Camelot and the barbaric, backwards South represented the court of the Knights. In this book, Twain protests the lack of reforms and human rights in the country and wonders why the common man can do nothing to change it.
Social Commentary from Within a Fantasy
In his other Medieval-Romance stories, Twain also included social commentary that was subtle, but not lost on his readers. In the story ‘A Medieval Romance’, he used a flowing language full of imagery and colour to depict the courtly world of the story, while also referencing its parallels to the world of injustice he was living in.
Twain explored the topics of chivalry, justice, honor and love in many of his stories and used them to provide a commentary on a world that often seemed to be without justice. He was able to provide an understanding of the characters’ struggles and successes, while also exposing the malice and corruption that existed in their world.
Twain often used humor to make his point, instead of outright condemnation. He would poke fun at the court’s more nonsensical policies, for example. In another story, he poked fun at the knights’ attempts to make themselves seem more heroic than they really were. By turning the tables in this way, Twain hoped to make his readers think.
The stories that Mark Twain wrote during this period have since become known as the ‘medieval romances’, and they stand as some of his most popular works. In them, he explored the lives of characters from many centuries ago, while also providing insightful commentary on the political and social issues of his own time.
Using Fantasy to Expose Realities
Twain’s approach to writing was unique; by blending fact and fiction in his medieval romances, he was able to explore various aspects of human nature and the evils of society, while also taking a lighthearted approach.
He used the knights’ code of chivalry to showcase their naivety and ignorance when it came to the concept of justice and self-improvement. By doing this, Twain was able to draw parallels between the past and the present and show that history can, in some cases, repeat itself.
The characters in Twain’s stories are also often portrayed as being noble, courageous and passionate. He wanted to show that, despite their shortcomings, they are capable of kindness and understanding. Their stories demonstrate the power of friendship and trust, and the strength that humans can draw from it.
Mark Twain’s Medieval Romances are still read throughout the world today, and for good reason. With his unique blend of realism and whimsy, Twain was able to bring to life an age which had long been forgotten, while also allowing us to reflect on our own lives.
A Reimagining of Past and Present
Twain’s medieval romances also served another important purpose; they were a way of reimagining the past and bridging the gap between two eras, allowing the readers to imagine what life had been like for the protagonists.
By depicting the harsh realities of those times and the vices of the people in power, Twain revealed the truth of the period to readers. But at the same time, he also portrayed the beauty that lies beneath the oppression, emphasizing human compassion over societal expectations.
The stories also provided Twain’s readers with a glimpse into a world where different laws and customs prevailed, where the limitations of their own era seemed to vanish. This allowed Twain’s readers to explore different ways of living, while at the same time remaining grounded in something that was familiar to them: the literature of Mark Twain.
An Exploration of Human Nature
Ultimately, Twain’s medieval romances were about far more than just a reimagining of the past. They explored the nature of human relationships and our understanding of them; the challenges every individual faces in pursuing their ideals; and our own human vulnerability, courage and fortitude.
Combining his insightful critiques of the world around him with his signature wit, Twain was able to create works that continued to inspire generations to remember the importance of justice, compassion and understanding.
Legacy of a Legend
Twain’s works continue to capture the imaginations of readers today, and his medieval romances will remain classics of literature for generations to come. With fascinating characters, thought-provoking storylines, and Twain’s signature wit, they bring to life a time which many people can only imagine.
Mark Twain’s Medieval Romances remind us why it is vital to look to the past and reimagine it in order to ensure a better future. Through his works, Twain was able to portray a timeless world in which human compassion, understanding and courage seemed to prevail.
A Reinvention of a Genre
Aside from their great literary value, Twain’s medieval romances are partly responsible for the reinvention of the fantasy genre. His stories brought to life a forgotten age and featured characters that were both fleshed out and relatable. They set a standard for fantasy writing that has been followed by countless authors since.
In writing his medieval romances, Twain also demonstrated the importance of education and the power of imagination. By teaching his readers about past events and customs, he showed them how to use historical knowledge as a tool for understanding and improving the present.
From his evocative descriptions of courtly characters and settings to his humorous critiques of social injustice, Mark Twain’s Medieval Romances remain some of his most beloved works. To this day, they continue to offer readers a unique combination of historical insight and literary wit.
