The Origin of Mark Twain’s Name
The writer and humorist Samuel Langhorne Clemens was known by his pseudonym Mark Twain. But where did he come up with the pen name?
In the early 1860s, Clemens made his first trip to Nevada and parts of California as a steamboat pilot, traveling up and down the Mississippi River and its tributaries. When he joined the Boatmen’s Benevolent Association, he was given the nickname “Mark Twain”. The origin of the name is somewhat of a mystery; many believe that it became popular as an expression of how far a sailor’s lead line had to be thrown out in order to determine the depth of water.
The term “mark twain” is a nautical expression meaning “two fathoms” (or twelve feet) deep. It is thought that this was the minimal depth at which the ship could travel safely—if the water was less than twelve feet deep, the crew would have to slow down or risk running aground.
In the boating community, words like mark twain, “by and large”, and “snug as a bug” became part of the lingo. Clemens used the name “Mark Twain” professionally from 1863 onwards, after being assigned the pseudonym in a humorous travel story in the New York Saturday Press.
In terms of literary discovery, the pseudonym certainly gave Clemens a larger platform, as he was able to produce humorous works without the risk of suffer professional consequences. As it turns out, using his pen name on works such as “The Celebrated Frog of Calaveras County” and “The Million Pound Bank-Note” caused quite a stir in America’s literary circles.
The use of “Mark Twain” has since become synonymous with the wit and wisdom of the writer himself. The name has also come to define a particular style of storytelling, characterized by and a certain briskness of voice and an eye for the absurdities of human life.
Legacy of Mark Twain
Mark Twain’s name and works are deeply embedded in the American literary canon. His classic stories and books, such as Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn and The Prince and the Pauper, have been enjoyed by generations of readers, who relate to the funny and heartfelt adventures of these main characters, and have inspired countless adaptations in various media.
Aside from his masterful works of fiction, Mark Twain has been celebrated for his irreverent observations and critiques of society in his writings. In his penetrating essays and lectures, he fearlessly spoke out against political, social and religious injustices of 19th-century America, speaking out on matters such as racism, imperialism and censorship.
He also served as a keen observer of America and its world, offering an ironic yet engaging outlook on political and social matters and providing his own unique interpretations of the culture and people of America. His travels around the United States and around the world gave him an insight to so many places and cultures, which he described thoughtfully and with wit.
His tireless devotion to his craft and to speaking the truth, no matter the consequences, earned him the admiration of fans throughout the world. To this day he is remembered for his brilliant humour and his incisive wit, and is still read and enjoyed in countless languages around the world.
How Mark Twain Shaped the English Language
Mark Twain was one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, and not only for his writing; his influence extended to the English language itself. He is credited with introducing phrases into the English language that all of us use today—from “the cat’s meow” to “fender-bender”—and is recognized as an important part of the English lexicon.
His conversations with friends and family were full of humorous stories, wordplay and puns, and phrases which were then used as catchphrases to inspire media, cartoons and books. He even coined the term “gilded age” to describe the excess of America’s booming industrial period.
Twain was also famous for his use of dialect in his writing, particularly in the tale of Tom Sawyer, which featured characters speaking with an exaggerated Southern accent that matched the setting of the story.
The influence of Clemens’ writing on the language is undeniable; according to the Oxford Dictionaries blog, 60 of his turns of phrase have made it into common usage, including “the whole shebang”, “take it with a grain of salt”, “cat’s meow”, “pain and suffering”, “fitting the crime”, “backwater”, and “a goodly number”.
Mark Twain’s Impact On Literature
Mark Twain’s influence on the world of literature is undeniable. He helped to redefine the New England and American genres of fiction, introducing a new form of writing characterized by the use of humor, the alternating of characters’ perspectives, and the use of regional dialects to capture a sense of the local culture.
His incredibly witty rhetoric and inimitable writing style influenced generations of authors, including Ernest Hemingway, Stephen King, and William Faulkner. In addition to his literary accomplishments, he was also heralded as a gifted speaker, with a unique storytelling style that has inspired generations of presenters.
Twain’s works have also been translated into numerous languages, such as Chinese, Spanish, French, German, and more, and are still widely read and studied in literary courses today. In addition, Twain’s stories have been adapted into multiple movies and television shows, cementing their place in popular culture.
Though he is no longer with us, Mark Twain’s impact on literature and culture will live on for generations to come. His playfulness and wit has captured the hearts of readers around the world and have cemented his place in history as one of the greatest authors of all time.
Cultural Perception of Mark Twain
Mark Twain has become a beloved figure in American culture and literature, revered for his works of fiction, his humanitarian efforts, and his irreverent take on life. His larger-than-life persona has been immortalized in popular culture, with references to him, his works, and even his name appearing in cartoons and films.
More recently, Twain’s star has been on the rise again, with a series of documentaries, movies and plays dedicated to him. His memoir, “Mark Twain: An Autobiography”, has been widely celebrated and adapted to the stage. The memoir has been developed into an Off-Broadway musical called “Twain!” and opened in New York City in 2018.
Twain is widely considered a National Treasure and is the subject of two National Park Service units and national parks in both Nevada and California. Statues of Twain have been erected in cities around the world, including St. Louis, Shanghai, Hartford, Connecticut, and Redding, Connecticut. He is also the subject of a permanent exhibit in the Mark Twain House in Hartford, Connecticut.
Throughout his life, Twain engaged in support of the charity work, advocating for children, animals, and the working poor. In 1999, the American Humanist Association named him Humanist of the Century and inducted him into the AHA’s Hall of Fame.
Twain as Symbol for All Time
Mark Twain was a symbol for so much more than just a writer—his life and works represent resilience, humour, and independence, traits that are still revered by readers all over the world. He was, and remains, an America icon and the very definition of a self-made man.
His life and works have endured, and it seems certain that his influence will be remembered for many generations to come. Twain himself succinctly declared: “Writers write for their own time, but they can be read for all time.”
Twain’s essays and stories have inspired readers of all ages and backgrounds, as his works remain essential parts of the literary canon. There is an undeniable appeal to his stories, which continue to provide insight into the human condition. His wit, his wisdom and his passion for living life to the fullest continue to endure, and will continue to captivate readers for decades to come.
