Mark Twain’s Opinion
Mark Twain had a very distinct opinion of the Holy Land when he visited in the 19th century. He wrote extensively about his visits, noting the history of the country, the beauty found there and some of the people he encountered. Twain ended his visit with a determined opinion on the region and its people.
“The land about us was so ancient, so quiet and peaceful…that we felt we had come upon a solemn place,” wrote Twain in his 1868 book The Innocents Abroad. He noted the sense of holiness he felt in the area, commenting that the people he encountered had been living in the same land for hundreds of centuries.
Twain didn’t shy away from discussing the poverty he witnessed in the Holy Land. He commented that some of the locals led a life of abject deprivation, with no possessions or luxuries to speak of. “The poverty here exceeds anything I ever saw in the most distressed parts of Ireland or Scotland,” he wrote.
Twain maintained a balance between his observations and his feelings, noting his admiration for the resiliency and strength of the locals. He remarked that they were “of an industrious, thrifty and enterprising character,” and that they “labored with a will to fill the measure of their necessities.”
Some of the locals Twain encountered on his travels were of the Jewish faith. He didn’t hide his opinion of their presence in the Holy Land, noting “it largely ameliorates the emptiness of the country.” Twain’s opinion was that such a place was most intangibly enhanced by the presence of religious faith.
Impressions
Mark Twain had a deep connection to the historic sites he visited in the Holy Land. He wrote of his impressions of Jerusalem, the Nile and the Dead Sea, remarking that their atmospheres were thick with antiquity and beauty. He noted some of the damage done by the Crusaders, but maintained a sense of appreciation for their influence on the land.
Twain was also taken by the beauty of some of the Holy Land’s other monuments. He commented on his awe-inspiring views over the surrounding hills, as well as the majesty of Jerusalem’s ancient walls. He noted the sight of Christians, Jews and Moslems all worshipping in the area.
Twain was connected most deeply with some of the smaller places he came across, such as the Western Wall, where men and women of all three faiths all came to pray. He said that, in the morning shade, “it was sacredly beautiful and impressive in the extreme.” After such a moving experience, Twain declared that his faith had been “captured, changed and modified.”
Criticisms
Though Mark Twain had intense appreciation for the beauty of the Holy Land and for its people, he also had criticisms of both the country and its customs. He disdained some of the religious practices he witnessed, making numerous complaints about what he termed fanaticism and religious bigotry in the region. He was also critical of the commercialization of the Holy Land, and wrote of his shock at seeing peddlers sell memorabilia claiming it had been blessed by Jesus himself.
Division
Mark Twain was acutely aware of the divisions between religious groups in the Holy Land. He mentioned that Muslims were “intensely intolerant of Christian or Jew”, and criticizing what he saw as systemic anti-Semitism. He spoke further of his encounters with Orthodox Jews, and was appalled by the official language and practices of the Orthodox community.
Though he sympathized with certain religious sects, he also showed disdain for their more outdated ways. He said some religious factions of the Holy Land “thrust themselves between man and his ambition, and make a stand there.” He viewed this as a form of religious fanaticism, and discussed it in his book The Innocents Abroad.
Attitudes
Even though he was very aware of the religious divisions and disputes of the Holy Land, it seemed that Twain still held a fondness for the area.
He stated that it seemed, to him, as though the “Hebrew miracles of long ago, linger yet in the tints and tones and atmosphere of this desolate land.” After all his travels, Twain concluded that the Holy Land was “boastful of its antiquity and its grandeur,” and that it held a spiritual aura which could not be found elsewhere.
Environment
In the 19th century, the Holy Land was lacking in any kind of environmental protection. Mark Twain noted the damage inflicted upon some of the region’s landscapes, particularly the groves of old trees that had been chopped down for wood. His opinion was that the area should be better protected and regulated, as it was a “wonderful historic museum-picturesque in the extreme.” He proposed that the locals create a system of laws to protect the area and to preserve its beauty.
Twain also had a deep appreciation for the area’s wildlife, noting the presence of eagles, crane and swans. He was saddened to learn of locals’ mistreatment of animals, commenting that “their instinct of mercy is not developed – they pay no heed to the sufferings of their victim” when hunting.
Conclusion of Twain’s Visit
When his travels came to an end, Mark Twain remarked that the Holy Land had surpassed his hopes and expectations. He was sad to leave, and disappointed not to witness the area in its glory days. However, he noted that there was still much beauty to be seen in the Holy Land, and which could be appreciated by travellers.
Twain declared that it had been his pleasure to view the “Land of Promise” and its myriad of wonders. He was sure to enjoy his experiences in the country, stating: “What magnificent ruins and what imposing memorials of antiquity meet the eye on every side!”
Impact
Mark Twain’s reputation as one of the greatest authors of the 19th century, as well as his personal affinities for the people and places of the area, have led many to recognise his opinion of the Holy Land. His books have become benchmarks for further studies and analysis, such as the recent book The Mark Twain Effect: Politics and Religion in the Life and Literature of Mark Twain.
In this book, Dr. David W. Levy discusses Twain’s opinion of the Holy Land from an academic standpoint. “One of the most significant aspects of Mark Twain’s work is his frankness concerning religion and politics,” writes Levy. He goes on to note that Twain himself often remarked upon this sentiment, stating “better than all the sermons were the silent influence of the Holy Land, and its restful peace.”
Influence
Since the publication of The Innocents Abroad, Twain’s opinion of the Holy Land has been seen as a credible source of insight into the culture, politics and religions of the area. His opinions on some of the political disputes of the area are particularly pertinent, as is his discussion of some of the customs of the locals. Twain’s focus on poverty, religious fanaticism and environmental protection have all been taken into temporary account in subsequent analyses of the region’s politics.
Twain’s writings still maintain a global presence, and his commentary on the Holy Land continues to be a point of interest for those studying the area. His comments remain as pertinent and interesting as ever, and are sure to continue to be appreciated in the future.
Legacy
Mark Twain has left a legacy of both his books and his opinion of the Holy Land which will likely remain an iconic part of nineteenth century travel. His deep love for the region and his insightful observations of the culture and its people will continue to be cherished by those eagerly looking to learn more about the area. Twain’s work has laid foundations for further exploration into the culture and politics of this complex area, and will continue to be integral part of future analyses.
