Mark Twain and His Age
Mark Twain was a legendary author who wrote some of the world’s most recognizable works, such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. He was born Samuel Clemens on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri. However, it is often questioned how old Mark Twain was when he passed away in 1910.
The answer to that question relies on how you look at it. According to historian Justin Alvarez, “As we age, we gain wisdom but lose innocence. If you view age as experience and elevated knowledge, then Mark Twain was a very old man when he died. But if you consider age to be purely numbered years, then he passed away at the age of 74.”
Dr. Collier Milton, an expert on American literature, gives his perspective. “In terms of what it meant then, Twain was not considered old by contemporary standards. In 1910, the average life expectancy for an American was just over 50 years. Twain actually exceeded the average life expectancy for a male by almost 25 years. So, he was ahead of the game, in a sense.”
It is clear that Mark Twain made quite an impression during his time—and continues to do so today. Perhaps this is partially because he was never considered to be a traditional writer. His writings often challenged societal norms and he seemed to be decades ahead of his time.
This is evidenced in the ideas presented throughout his works. He was a vocal supporter of abolishing slavery and women’s rights and was a champion of a host of other social reforms. In addition, he was quite progressive in his outlook on organized religion.
In a society that cherished conformity, Twain remained an independent thinker. His same independent spirit is credited for his ability to live a long, fruitful life. As biographer Jay Johnson explains, “Twain took risks and embraced his curiosity. He wore his age as a badge of honor, believing our years could bring us wisdom rather than hopelessness.”
Twain’s age is just one more way he stands out among his contemporaries. His life was certainly marked by interestingness, and one could say it was timeless.
Twain’s Impact in Literature
Mark Twain was prolific writer and is widely acknowledged as a master of American literature. His creative works are viewed through a unique lens and his insights often provide fresh perspectives on issues such as morality and human nature.
His works often serve as forms of social commentary. They reflect the realities of humanity and often expose the hypocrisies of modern-day society. This is especially evident in the way Twain explores character development in his stories.
For instance, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn are two of the most recognizable boy-characters in literature. They both have a natural curiosity, an unyielding sense of justice, and a thirst for adventure. In essence, Twain allows us to step into the shoes of these characters and experience the world through their eyes.
The manner in which Twain depicted the boys’ ongoing struggles with morality and social conformity, encouraged readers to question the accepted customs of their own society. Twain’s unique ability to weave together meaningful stories with powerful real-world truths, made him a literary giant.
From his highly-praised novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, to his often-anthologized short stories, such as “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”, Twain’s works demonstrate an unstoppable sense of invention.
Twain’s Legacy
Mark Twain was undoubtedly a truly special individual who had a lasting impact that can still be felt in the present day. His works have had countless adaptations and have been translated into many languages, including Spanish, Italian, and Chinese. In addition, he is often remembered for his golden wit and charm.
Twain himself wrote about how age was a reflection of how one lived their life. He once noted, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” This quote captures the essence of Twain’s journey- and in the end, it is clear that he lived by these words.
Mark Twain’s life is one of the greatest stories never told. The way he lived his life and the influence he had as an author is truly something special. His works have endured the test of time and are thoughtfully-crafted reminders that it is possible to age with resiliency and grace.
Twain’s Impact on the Culture
Mark Twain was an incredibly influential figure during his time, and his legacy continues to have a strong presence in today’s culture. For instance, his works often serve as the basis for Hollywood movies, television series, and more.
Many businesses and institutions, such as the education organization, The Mark Twain Project, have even adopted his name and works as symbols of what they strive to embody. This, in part, is an effort to stay connected to the ideals that Twain promoted throughout his lifetime.
Moreover, the famous author’s legacy has gone beyond the realms of literature to extensively shape our culture in other ways. His unique brand of humor and his distinct perspectives on morality and human nature were integral in developing the popular modern sensibilities we have today.
Therefore, Twain is much more than a historical figure of interest. He is a reflection of the ever-changing face of culture and a reminder of how much one individual can shape the world around them.
Twain’s Impact on Pop Culture
Mark Twain’s influence transcended beyond literature and made its way into modern popular culture—particularly surrounding the theme of adventure. Film, television, and even music are some of the areas where Twain’s ideas have been embedded.
For instance, pop culture constructions of Twain’s well-loved characters, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, demonstrate how his works have become contemporary fixtures. This has enabled him to be viewed as a forerunner to certain genres and inspires others to create stories about destiny, exploration, freedom, and hope.
The representation of Twain’s characters and their journeys have also helped to shed light on some of the darker moments in human history, such as slavery, prejudice, and oppression. Through pop-culture retellings, many of his works are encouraging people to challenge the status quo and hold those in power accountable.
It is clear that Mark Twain’s works endure well beyond their publication dates. His presence in popular culture is a testament that his ideas are relevant and his impact clearly remains powerful.
Twain’s Impact on Language
Mark Twain was an innovator of the English language. His books are extremely rich in vernacular and offer countless examples of how to use creative language to construct unique and memorable stories.
For instance, there is a long-standing controversy surrounding the word “ain’t,” which is a shortened form of “am not, is not, are not, has not, and have not.” It is widely considered to be vernacular and many argue that it should be excluded from modern-day literature. However, Twain was an avid user of “ain’t” in his works. He argued that language should be organic and if an expression fits into his writing flow, then he should use it.
He was also renowned for coining memorable phrases, such as “get a head” and “warm as toast.” He was even actively involved in the Oxford English Dictionary, contributing definitions and providing suggestions. In addition, Twain commented on the differences between British and American English, saying, “The British, I believe, are still very conservative in matters of language, while we Americans are eccentric.”
It is clear that Twain’s impact on language and literature was undeniable, and he laid the foundation for the way in which we view language today. He showed us that language was an expansive tool that could be used to move us, to surprise us, and to ultimately create something incredible.
