Mark Twain—or, to be more precise, Samuel Langhorne Clemens—is best known as one of the most influential American authors of the late 19th century. With such renowned works as Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Twain’s influence on the English language, culture and literature is undeniable. But many readers might be unfamiliar with Twain’s poetic writing.
To determine whether Mark Twain wrote poetry, it’s important to take a look at his publications. Several of Twain’s books include some elements of poetry or have a strong poetic flavor. For example, his The Innocents Abroad—widely considered his finest work of travel non-fiction—is full of witticisms, parodies an odes. The book also includes some of Twain’s finest portrayals of his iconic character, Tom Sawyer (“Tom, with his incorrigible tendency to shirk his responsibilities,…”). Likewise, The Awful German Language is as much a satire of the language as it is a poem.
Yet, it’s important to note that Twain never published a collection of poems or a single poem that could be classified as such. Although most of his books have clear poetic elements, Twain wasn’t a “poet” in the traditional sense.
So, what type of writer was Twain? Fans of his work would label him primarily a fiction writer, but Twain himself often referred to himself as a “humorist”. He believed humor was a form of writing which could transcend both fiction and poetry as a genre. Twain wrote, “Humour is merely tragedy standing on its head with its pants torn.”
Twain’s writing often showed careful attention to both word choice and poetic rhythm. In this respect, his writing does show elements of poetry. For instance, in the opening lines to Roughing It, Twain writes, “I had now been on the road a month, and was as free and independent a runaway as any in the land; in sooth, I was having a glorious time.” Not only is it grammatically correct, but the poetic quality of the writing and the flow of the words almost sound like poetry.
However, no matter how poetic his writing, in the end Weaver wasn’t a poet in the traditional sense; this is evidenced by the fact that he never published his own book of poetry. And while he captured the spirit and beauty of language in a poetic way, his writing was never considered enough to belong to the canon of poetry.
Influence of the language
Although Twain never wrote poetry as such, it’s impossible to deny the influence of the language on his writing. Twain often said of language, “It was born of a necessity and conceived in joy.” And Twain’s own writing certainly reflects a “joy” of language. This can be seen throughout his work, from his well-known short stories to the longer works such as Life on the Mississippi.
When looking for evidence of Twain’s influence on the language, look no further than his memorable phrase “the report of my death was an exaggeration”. This much-quoted saying became one of Twain’s best-known utterances and its directness and simplicity are true hallmarks of Twain’s work. Similarly, “the awful German language”, “age is an issue of mind over matter; if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”, and “classic is something that everybody wants to have read and nobody wants to read” are all fondly remembered Twainisms which demonstrate his signature comic touch.
Public Perception of Twain as a Poet
Despite Twain’s preeminence in American literature and his influence on the language, he is not remembered primarily as a poet. Instead, many view Twain as a storyteller and humorist, which is reflected in his choice of publication types. Nevertheless, readers who are familiar with Twain’s work often draw semantics between his writing and poetry. His innovative use of language, outrageous wit and cultural observations almost certainly position his writing into a traditional poetic form.
At a time when non-fiction was more popular among readers, Twain’s works were revolutionary, and many saw his unique voice as representative of an entire generation. He had an ability to cut through to the essence of an issue and express it with unrivaled clarity. As Twain himself wrote, “A simple enough pleasure, surely, to have breakfast alone with one’s soul.”
Twain’s writing style
Twain’s writing is often referred to as a “free verse” style, meaning it combines elements of both poetry and prose. His powerful voice and geniality shine through even in his often darkly humorous works. For example, the opening lines of Huckleberry Finn are almost lyrical in their own way: “You don’t know about me, without you have read a book by the name of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer; but that ain’t no matter. That book was made by Mr. Mark Twain, and he told the truth, mainly.”
Fortunately, Twain’s beautiful and original writing style has not been forgotten. He remains one of the most widely-limned writers in the American canon and continues to inspire readers from all walks of life. Despite never having published a book of poetry of his own, Twain’s influence on the art of language and poetry still remains and is passionate about to this day.
Twain’s influence on modern writing
The influence of Twain’s writing can still be felt in modern works, even in completely different genres. The strong, vibrant characters and vivid settings that appear in Twain’s best writing are as fresh and captivating today as they were over 100 years ago. The timelessness of his novels, stories and journalistic articles have served as a reminder of the power of good writing.
Indeed, even today’s bestselling authors owe a debt of gratitude to Twain. Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, and countless other writers have cited Twain as a major influence and have adopted many of his writing techniques into their own works. As a result, Twain still has a major presence in the world of literature, regardless of whether or not he wrote poetry.
The mark twain paradox
The idea of Twain as a poet has persisted because of a phenomenon which is often referred to as the ‘Mark Twain Paradox’. This concept suggests that Twain’s writing, irrespective of whether it is identified as poetry or prose, is so unique and powerful that it transcends the need to be categorized into traditional genres. The book Mark Twain – A Life by Ron Powers cites Twain’s writing as “an American Faust whether it is called poetry, prose, or laughter”.
Twain himself once said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” Whether or not Mark Twain wrote poetry is ultimately open to interpretation, but his unwavering imprint on the English language and literature has solidified his place in literature and the popular imagination.
Twain’s use of satire
Another factor that has contributed to Twain’s continued popularity is his use of satire. Through his often cutting observations and tastefully deployed irony, Twain is able to skewer social issues and conventions without seeming overly preachy or politically correct. As Ron Powers notes in his book, “Twain’s seriousness derives from his ironical satiric edge: he ruthlessly lampoons human vanity and hypocrisy”.
Whether he is poking fun at the conventions of his era or critiquing current culture, Twain’s wit and humor are never out of place. His often sophisticated use of language and witty observations allow him to make his point succinctly and effectively. And it is this wit that has enabled him to remain relevant and vibrant decades after his death.
Twain’s flair for drama
In addition to his use of satire and wit, Twain’s writing is often praised for its flair for drama. His works often carry the tension of an unfolding story, and the reader is treated to an experience that feels almost cinematic in its depth and beauty. The novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a clear example of this, as it is filled with adventure, near-misses, suspense and a healthy dose of humor.
Twain’s sense of drama has even extended to his own death. According to his obituary, Twain “Rose, as if by magic, from his sick-bed on the day of his passing, singing a beautiful hymn of his own composition”. Whether or not this is an accurate portrayal of Twain’s last moments, it serves as another reminder of his writing flair and his uniquely style of self-expression.
Conclusion
Mark Twain may not have written actual poetry, but his work has certainly reflected a poet’s spirit. His skillful use of irony, satire and humor, combined with his passion for language, has firmly established him as one of the most iconic authors of the English language. His influence on modern authors, regardless of genre, is undeniable, and his unique voice and perspective will continue to inspire readers for decades to come.
