Mark Twain, an enormously popular American writer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is best known for his novels such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn . A key element of Twain’s humorous writing is the use of dramatic irony. Dramatic irony is a literary device in which the audience knows something the characters do not. This is the source of much of Twain’s humor.
In the novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, there is a scene in which Tom tries to fool his Aunt Polly by pretending that he has been stung by a bee. He pleads for sympathy, writhing around in pain and asking her to kiss the “sting” to ease his suffering. Aunt Polly, taken in by his drama, obliges — only to discover that she has just kissed a beetle, not a bee sting. This wrong interpretation of the situation creates a great moment of comedic irony, as the audience knows that Tom has fooled his aunt.
Twain also finds humor in the hypocrisy of adults in his novels. In Huckleberry Finn, the adults constantly make decisions based on appearances and cultural norms. This is often quite a contrast to the decisions of the children, who more often make decisions based on their own individual moral compasses. Twain is adept at creating moments of dramatic irony in which the audience sees the adults making judgments and decisions that are not in line with their own beliefs and principles.
Twain’s use of dramatic irony is a key element of his humor. It allows him to create moments of irony and contrast, as the audience knows one thing, while the characters believe another. Through clever use of this device, Twain can highlight the hypocrisy of adults, as well as the cleverness of children. Twain’s use of dramatic irony is a key element in creating his characteristic brand of humor.
How Does the Use of Rhetorical Devices Contribute to Twain’s Humor?
Another device often used by Twain is his use of rhetoric. Rhetoric is the use of language in a persuasive manner, and it is one of Twain’s favorite tools. In both Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer, Twain is adept at using rhetoric to create humorous situations.
In one scene from Tom Sawyer, Tom use rhetoric to convince his Aunt Polly that he was being stung by a bee. He pleads with her, and uses persuasive language to gain her sympathy. Aunt Polly, taken in by Tom’s rhetoric, kisses the “sting” — only to find that it is a beetle. This use of rhetoric to create ironic and humorous moments is one of Twain’s favorite techniques.
In Huckleberry Finn, Twain satirizes the hypocrisy of adults by having Huck use rhetorical devices to make his point. In one scene, Huck uses rhetoric to defend his friend Jim from the accusations of Mrs. Grangerford. Huck is quite skilled at making his defense in an eloquent and persuasive manner, and Mrs. Grangerford is taken in by his argument. In this way, Twain highlights the absurdity of adults who make decisions based on appearances, rather than on rational thought.
Twain’s use of rhetoric plays an important role in his humor. By using rhetorical devices, Twain can highlight the absurdity of the adults in his novels, as well as the cleverness of children. Rhetoric enables Twain to create scenarios that show the contrast between what the adults see and what the audience sees. By using this device, Twain can create humorous and ironic moments.
How Does Twain Use Satire to Create Humor?
Another key element of Twain’s humor is his use of satire. Satire is a genre of writing in which the author uses wit and humor to criticize the follies and vices of society. Twain often uses satire to make fun of hypocritical adults, as well as to poke fun at popular cultural norms.
In the novel Huckleberry Finn, Twain satirizes religion, slavery, and racism. One example is the scene in which the Grangerfords talk about slavery. Twain satire is effective in this scene, as he highlights the absurdity of the adults’ views on slavery. In addition, he critiques the hypocrisy of those who say one thing and do another. Through this effective use of satire, Twain is able to create a humorous, yet pointed, critique of the foibles of society.
In Tom Sawyer, Twain also uses satire to criticize popular cultural norms. In one scene, Tom is sent to school and punished for not having his homework done. Twain highlights the absurdness of this situation by having Tom walk away thinking that school is a punishment and not a learning experience. He is lampooning the idea that schools focus too much on rote learning and not enough on exploration and creativity. By using satire in this way, Twain is able to make a point about the failings of society in a humorous and engaging way.
Twain’s use of satire is an important part of his humor. He is able to poke fun at societal norms and criticize foibles in a bright and humorous way. Twain’s satire is pointed and effective, making it an important element of his comedic storytelling.
Conclusion: How Mark Twain Uses Humor Through His Writing
Mark Twain was a master of humorous storytelling. He was able to use comedic devices such as dramatic irony, rhetoric, and satire to create humorous and engaging stories. Through his clever use of these devices, Twain was able to make a point about society in a humorous and thought-provoking way. Twain’s use of humor was an important part of his writing, and it is one of the main reasons why his stories continue to be so popular.
How Does Twain Subvert Expectations to Create Humor?
Twain is also adept at subverting expectations in order to create humorous moments. In one of his most famous novels, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Tom often finds himself in situations in which he has to subvert expectations in order to get what he wants. He does this by cleverly manipulating the adults around him. In one scene, Tom has to “sneak away” from school in order to paint a fence. He does this by convincing the adults around him that painting a fence is “fun” and “rewarding”. In this way, Twain uses the expectations of adults to create humorous situations.
In Huckleberry Finn, Twain also subverts expectations in order to create humor. In this novel, Huck often finds himself in situations in which he must use his wit and cleverness to get out of the predicaments he finds himself in. In one scene, when Jim is being accused of stealing, Huck is able to use his wits to successfully free Jim from suspicion. In this way, Twain is able to show how intelligent and resourceful children can be, even when up against the expectations of adults.
Twain’s use of subverting expectations is an important part of his humor. He is able to use this device to create moments of humor and irony, as well as to show the intelligence of children. His use of this device contributes to his trademark wit and humor.
How Does Twain Use Ridicule to Create Humor?
Another key element of Twain’s humor is his use of ridicule. Ridicule is a rhetorical device in which an object, person, or idea is held up to mockery or scorn. Twain is adept at using ridicule to make a point about the hypocrisy and absurdity of adults.
In the novel Tom Sawyer , Tom often uses ridicule to make a point about the adults around him. In one scene, Tom is being scolded for failing to do his schoolwork. Instead of accepting his punishment, Tom cleverly turns it around by mocking the adults for their expectations. This use of ridicule is an effective way of highlighting the absurd expectations of adults and creating a humorous moment.
Twain also uses ridicule for his critiques of religion and racism in Huckleberry Finn. In one scene, he satirizes the hypocrisy of the Grangerfords by having them preach to Huck about morality, while engaging in murderous clan feuds. Twain’s use of ridicule in this scene, as well as others, is a powerful way of highlighting the absurdity of adult behavior.
Twain’s use of ridicule is a key element in creating his humor. He is able to use this device to highlight the absurdity of certain cultural norms and behaviors. His use of ridicule allows him to create humorous moments, as well as making serious points about society.
How Does Twain Use Exaggeration to Create Humor?
Twain also uses exaggeration to create humorous moments. Exaggeration is a rhetorical device in which an object, situation, or idea is exaggerated beyond reality in order to create a humorous effect. In Tom Sawyer, Tom often uses exaggeration to make a point about the adults in his life. He often engages in grandiose behavior, such as pretending to be hurt when he is not, in order to get away with things. This use of exaggeration is an effective way of highlighting the absurdity of adult expectations and creating humorous moments.
In Huckleberry Finn, Twain also uses exaggeration to create humorous moments. In one scene, Huck and Jim are traveling down the river. As they drift by some houses, they are met with suspicion. In order to allay these fears, they decide to “act crazy”, engaging in wild and exaggerated behavior. In this way, Twain is able to create a humorous scene while also making a point about the absurdity of adult expectations.
Twain’s use of exaggeration is an important element of his humor. He is able to use this device to create humorous moments, as well as to make a point about society. Twain’s unique brand of humor depends on his clever use of exaggeration.
