Mark Twain’s Writing Career
The man behind the beloved stories of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain, was born in 1835. He is one of the most iconic writers and humorists of American literature, yet he never finished high school or attended college. Despite his lack of formal education, Twain began his writing career in 1857 while still a teenager. So, when did Mark Twain start writing?
A few years prior to becoming a writer, 17-year-old Twain left home and became a printer’s apprentice in St. Louis. After holding many odd jobs, Twain moved to New York City in 1858, where he continued to work in the printing industry and supported himself as a freelance writer for news outlets such as the New York Saturday Press.
Twain began penning humorous short stories, travel essays, and poems for newspapers and magazines in early 1861. Nine of those stories were personally selected, revised, and published in the book ‘The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County’ in 1867. This is considered Twain’s first book, and although later overshadowed by his later works, it was an initial success and made Twain nationally famous.
His real breakthrough followed in 1876 when Twain released ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’, which he had been writing in the late 1860s. ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’, his most famous novel and one of the greatest American works of literature, was published in 1885 and quickly became a classic.
The writing of Mark Twain is noted for its realism and humor which portray the culture and customs of the regions in which he lived. Through his work, Twain captured the spirit of America, as well as its changing face in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His accurate portrayal of the human experience and insight brought him both critical and commercial success.
Achievements and Controversy
By the time of his death in 1910, Twain was regarded as one of the most well-known and celebrated authors of his time. His works have been translated into more than 75 languages and he is recognized for having created the “American Voice” in literature. Twain was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Oxford University in 1907.
Despite his success, some might argue that Twain is most notorious for the controversial aspects of his writing. For instance, ‘Huckleberry Finn’ garnered criticism due to its frequent use of the word “nigger” even though the protagonist, Huckleberry, is an African American. Twain’s works were also used to provide symbolism on racism and slavery, often provoking debate between readers and critics.
Today, Mark Twain is celebrated as one of America’s most beloved authors. His impact still resonates in our culture, from the classic characters he created to the original themes he explored. His works have been adapted for stage, film, television, and numerous comic books, solidifying Twain’s influence both in America and beyond.
Mark Twain as Trendsetter
In addition to narrating the culture of popular America in his work, Twain also popularized a number of new words and phrases that have since become widely used. For example, his charters themselves are credited with coining the phrase “the whole shebang”, a phrase still widely used today. Terms such as “fried to a crisp” and “bald as a billiard ball” were also introduced by Twain in his work.
Twain is also regarded as one of the first “celebrity authors”. Following the success of ‘Huckleberry Finn’, he received thousands of letters from admirers and people wanting advice, support and help. He values were embraced and expressed strongly in his work. Even now, Twain’s legacy lives on, as bookstores and libraries are filled with “classics” written by the timeless author.
Twain’s Legacy and Criticism
Twain has been criticized for not depicting the moral conflicts of the characters enough, thus creating a one-dimensional narrative in his works. Some have argued that his works, particularly ‘Huckleberry Finn’, do not contain enough characters who are comprehensively developed. Others believe that some of Twain’s writing fell short of the cultural intricacies we now celebrate in literature.
Still, many recognize Twain’s works to be a timeless reflection of America during a specific period of time, where strong regional dialects and slang of the nineteenth century are seamlessly woven into his stories. Twains’s works are often seen as remarkable in their level of detail, producing a window into the moral, social, and political debates at the time.
Throughout his life, Twain produced an impressive collection of stories and letters, books, plays and non-fiction essays. His legacy continues to live on and he is celebrated for his contribution to literature and language.
Twain’s Impact on American Literature and Beyond
Twain’s impact and influence go far beyond American literature. His works are incorporated into much of celebrated American collectives such as music, television, film and theatre. Twain has long been recognized as a pioneering figure of American literature, best remembered for his iconic characters which have formed their own narratives.
Twain’s stories continue to be relevant today. Twain’s spotlight on political, economic and social inequalities still exist, and his works remain important in literature and culture. His back catalogue of work offers timeless wisdom, still pertinent to readers of this time.
Twain’s Writing Process and Techniques
Twain was an advocate of the type-writer and made use of its benefits to speed up the production process and correct repeating errors. He typed with one finger and would typically produce a few hundred words in a session. The process usually began with the jotting of ideas in a notebook and from there he would transition to the typewriter.
The co-existence of both realism and humor in Twain’s stories are probably the biggest factors contributing to their wide acceptance. His dialogue is unrivalled, his characterisation is accessible, his comic relief is authentically funny, and the transitions between comedy and tragedy are illustrated through his clear insight.
Twain’s narrations often contain elements of the morals children should live by, the injustices of life, and the corruptive power of avarice. He created original works that were unique to himself, and his recognition as an iconic author is well deserved.
Mark Twain’s Legacy From Then Until Now
Twain’s legacy has been built up over time, as he wasn’t necessarily respected or appreciated by all during his time. He has since become a central figure for many diverse audiences, and his works have been used as both learning and literature materials in classrooms and universities. Many readers feel a connection to his work, and the investment he has made in language, culture, philosophy and history continues to influence readers today.
Meanwhile, his approach to criticism and humour attract both the old and young, as his cynical take on society—although sometimes controversial—often rings true. Twain has produced works that are sometimes radical, often funny, and always personal. Most important of all, they are timeless.
Mark Twain’s Impact on Language, Literature and Art
Twain is also noted to have taken the 19th-century gothic genre in new directions, incorporating the moral multiplicity of the Deadwood novels. His use of regional dialects to create a more natural sounding dialogue allowed his characters to be more diversly voiced and appear far more real than their counterparts of similar books.
One contribution to Twain’s success is perhaps his ability to write works that could stand the test of time. His stories allowed him to exhibit both his sincere and grave side, combined with a cleverness often hidden in his work. His work is valued for its innovation and influence, impacting generations since and guaranteed to continue doing so.
Twain’s literary lineage extends beyond his works, which are largely seen as the embodiment of patriotism, equality, and the American spirit. Through his writings, Twain has contributed to the evolution of the language, where new and creative phrases have since become a fixture in American expression.
Mark Twain and the Present Day
Today Twain’s works are published and reprinted in various formats and editions, sold in bookstores and available as digital downloads. His works have also received honorable awards and recognitions, a testament to their lasting quality, relevance and timelessness.
Twain’s impact on the world of literature, art and culture is unparalleled. He is remembered as a master humorist who could capture the American experience in all its complexities. A modern-day audience could not only relate to, but also enjoy and learn from Twain’s stories, even if the world has changed since his time.
