Mark Twain Awards
Mark Twain is one of America’s most beloved authors, having penned well-known works such as ‘Huckleberry Finn’ and ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’. Although he died in 1910, his influence on literature continues to inspire readers to this day. Recognizing Twain’s lasting legacy, many awards and honors have been established in his name. Here, we take a look at some of the awards and honors Twain has won throughout his lifetime, both in America and around the world.
American Authors Associations
Twain was recognized by the American Authors Association in 1971, when he was posthumously awarded the ‘Distinguished Achievement Award’. This award is given to authors who have made a lasting contribution to American literature. Known for pushing against societal norms and embracing a traditional story-telling style, Twain was selected for his exceptional writing that has had a lasting impact on our literature.
Twain was also awarded the Harold D. Vursell Memorial Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1973. The award is given in recognition of a distinguished body of work that has shed insight on the human condition. Twain’s iconic stories about life in the American countryside could easily be why he was determined to be worthy of this honor.
National and International Awards
Twain had also won a number of national and international awards. The ‘Friedrich-Schiller Prize’ was presented to him by the city of Zweibruecken, Germany, in 1971. The prize recognized Twain’s contribution to literature and his connection to German readers. In America, the Medal of Honor was granted to him in 1980 by the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. This award was presented in recognition of Twain’s lifetime achievements and his status as a national treasure.
Finally, Twain was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1981 by the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. This medal was presented to Twain in recognition of his significant contributions to American humor and his impact on authors across the world. Twain was recognized for his ability to combine wit, satire and sophistic humor.
Impact and Legacy
There is no doubt that Mark Twain’s influence on literature was immense and his works continue to entertain and educate readers to this day. His awards and honors acknowledge the impact of his stories, his deviance and the courage to challenge societal norms. In many ways, Twain was ahead of his time, and his work stands as an enduring testament to his brilliance. As a result, these awards serve as a reminder of how Twain’s work has withstood the test of time.
Recent Awards
In 2006, Harvard University presented Twain with a posthumous award for his ‘distinguished achievements’. This award was accepted on Twain’s behalf by his children and grandchildren. Although Twain is unable to receive any more awards, his influence on literature is still recognized through the Mark Twain Awards presented by The Mark Twain House, an organization set up in his name in Hartford, Connecticut.
This award is presented to authors, illustrators and educators that have achieved excellence in their fields and embody Twain’s values of wit, ingenuity and passion. The award further serves as a reminder of Twain’s place in American literature.
Honorary Degrees
Twain was also awarded numerous honorary degree sduring his lifetime. These included degrees from Oxford University, Columbia University, and the University of Missouri. It is clear that Twain was highly respected in academia, and the multitude of honorary degree sdemonstrate that his contribution to literature and the arts was widely acknowledged.
Currently, a number of universities and colleges also offer humanities degrees and scholarships in Twain’s name. These scholarships are given to students studying English, creative writing, and American Studies who demonstrate an aptitude for Twain’s impact on literature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mark Twain has secured his place in literary history. His enduring works have inspired generations of readers and his influence continues to span the globe. His brilliance has been recognized with lifetime awards, honorary degrees and posthumous honors, all of which demonstrate the significance of Twain’s place in American literature. Thus, it is no surprise that Twain is still celebrated to this day and his legacy will continue to be cherished by readers around the world.
