Early Life and Education
Mark Twain was born in Missouri in 1835 as Samuel Langhorne Clemens. He developed a love of reading at an early age, teaching himself German and Spanish and spending much of his free time reading books in the public library. Due to his father’s untimely death when Mark was 12 years old, Mark had to quit school and get a job. As a young man, he worked as a river pilot on the Mississippi River, a job he held from 1857 to 1861. It was during this time that he adopted the pseudonym “Mark Twain”, meaning ‘two fathoms deep’.
Writing Career
Mark Twain began his writing career in 1865, publishing articles in several newspapers, including the San Francisco Weekly Californian. In 1872, he published his first novel, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. It was an immediate success, and catapulted Mark to literary stardom. In 1884, Mark published The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which is often considered to be his masterpiece. Other notable works include A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court and The Prince and the Pauper. Twain also wrote a number of travel books, sketches, and short stories, and lectured widely on a variety of topics.
Social Criticism
Mark Twain was well-known for his sharp social criticism, particularly of the American south. He wrote scathingly about the injustice and inequality of slavery, and of the moral degradation that it caused. He was also highly critical of the religious hypocrisy he found in the south, and wrote scathingly of the oppressive nature of organized religion. His most famous novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, is often seen as a critique of southern values and a condemnation of racism.
Influence and Legacy
Mark Twain was one of the most influential writers of the 19th and early 20th centuries. His works have been translated into dozens of languages and adapted into films, plays, and television shows. In addition to being a beloved author, Mark Twain was a public figure, giving public speeches and lectures, and working as an ambassador for the United States. He was also an advocate for the advancement of technology, and was an early investor in the telephone, allowing him to communicate with friends and family from abroad. Mark Twain’s influence and legacy live on today, and his works remain popular and widely read.
Philanthropy
Throughout his life, Mark Twain was an ardent philanthropist. He was an early advocate for public libraries, urged Congress to pass legislation that would protect the environment and promote science education, and actively supported charities and medical research. He also bequeathed a substantial portion of his fortune to various charities and research foundations.
Death and Legacy
Mark Twain died in 1910, at the age of 74. His funeral was attended by thousands, who lined the streets of his home town and paid their respects as his body was taken to the cemetery.
Humour and Wit
Mark Twain was renowned for his quick wit and sharp observations. He wrote and spoke often of his experiences traveling, and had a sharp, biting sense of humour that many appreciated. He was able to poke fun at himself, and the occasional absurdity of life, and his writings were often seen to be humorous and entertaining.
Religious Views
Mark Twain’s religious views were complex and often controversial. While he was often critical of organized religion, he also believed in the power of prayer and the existence of a higher power. He was an advocate for personal exploration and spiritual growth, and through his writing sought to inspire readers to think for themselves and seek their own truth.
Relationships
Mark Twain had a passionate but turbulent relationship with his wife Olivia, whom he married in 1870. The pair had four children, including their daughter Olivia, who tragically died of meningitis at the age of 19. The death of Twain’s beloved daughter left him deeply distraught and haunted him for the rest of his life.
Literary Style
Mark Twain’s writing style is iconic, and was largely influenced by his early experiences of the American landscape. His works typically feature characters who are rough and unrefined, but with a great deal of humanity and good humour. He also used irony and satire to great effect, often to highlight the absurdity of human behaviour.
Relationship with the Press
Mark Twain was a prolific letter writer, and often wrote to newspapers and magazines about a variety of topics. His writing often subtly poked fun at popular trends and figures, and he was unapologetic about his opinions. He occasionally feuded with the press, but also contributed to newspapers, magazines, and other publications throughout his career.
Political Views
Mark Twain was an outspoken critic of politics and power, and a firm believer in the power of the common man. He was a fierce advocate for anti-imperialism and civil liberties, and a vocal opponent of oppression, corruption, and authoritarian rule. He was also well-known for his criticism of war and militarism, and wrote extensively about the horrors of the Civil War and conflict in general.
Business Ventures
Mark Twain was an entrepreneur and businessman, investing in a number of different companies, most notably a publishing company. He also invested in a number of new technologies, such as a typesetting machine and an early version of the telephone. He was also a shrewd investor and made a substantial amount of money in the stock market.
Public Speaking
Throughout his career, Mark Twain gave a number of public lectures and speeches. He used his platform to speak on a variety of topics, such as religion, politics, and social issues. He was also a keen advocate for education and children’s rights, and often spoke on the importance of education and the suffering of disadvantaged children.
