Background
Samuel Clemens was born in the state of Missouri in the year 1835. He was the son of a Tennessee farmer and went on to become a renowned writer and humorist in the late 1800s. He was well-known for his works like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Roughing It, and A Connecticut Yankee at King Arthur’s Court. It was during his career that he changed his name to Mark Twain, which became one of the most famous pen names in the English language.
Origin of the Name
The exact origin of why Clemens changed his name to Mark Twain is not exactly known. However, it is believed that he first started using the name in 1863 when he was working as a newspaper reporter. It is believed that he adopted this pen name as a reference to the steamships on the Mississippi River where he previously worked, with “mark twain” being a nautical expression used to denote a depth of two fathoms.
Early Uses of the Name
At first, Clemens used the name Mark Twain as a pseudonym. He began publishing works under this name in the newspapers that he worked for, and his first reported usage was in the Territorial Enterprise in 1863. Soon after, other publications began picking up his works, and he eventually adopted the name as his legal name.
Public Career as Mark Twain
By 1867, Clemens was becoming known as Mark Twain throughout the United States and Europe and soon started touring the world. His career as Mark Twain only increased as newspapers started to publish his works, such as The Innocents Abroad and Roughing it, both published in 1869.
It was during his tour of Europe that Twain traveled to Germany and on a boat ride in Lake Norden in June 1879, he found himself inspired and wrote a short story about the experience, titled Twain’s Story of a Dark Day on the Lake.
Legacy of Mark Twain
As a writer, Twain was able to create stories which were humorous yet full of wisdom. His works explored themes such as slavery, race, and the lives of people in the southern United States. In addition to this, his works were immensely popular and were translated to multiple languages around the world, making him one of the most renowned authors of his era.
Analysis
By changing his name, Clemens was able to create an identity for himself which enabled him to better express himself artistically. He was able to achieve success with this new identity, and it is a testament to the power of a name and the importance of self-expression.
Influence on Pop Culture
The name Mark Twain has become a household name due to the legacy that he has left in the literary world. He has been referenced in numerous books, movies, and songs, and has even been used for company and product names.
Influence on Language
In addition to his impact in pop culture, Mark Twain has also had a large influence on the English language. Various phrases in American English have their roots in Twain’s writing, such as the expression “the coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco”.
Impact on Education
The works of Mark Twain have had a large impact on the way that books and literature are taught in schools. His books are staples on reading lists in middle and high schools, and they are frequently used as models in analyzing language and different writing styles.
Relevance in the Modern World
The works of Samuel Clemens have remained relevant to this day, and his influence can still be seen in popular culture. His writings offer a unique insight into the social dynamics of the 19th century and are still inspiring writers and readers today.
Motivation Behind the Name Change
The reason for why Samuel Clemens changed his name to Mark Twain remains debatable. However, it is certain that the name change has left a lasting impact and enabled him to create works that could inspire generations of readers.’
