The Origins of Mark Twain
Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was a prolific American author and humorist best remembered for his works such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Clemens’s created his celebrated pen name in the late 19th century, but how he arrived at the classic “Mark Twain” name and when he began using it remains a mystery to many readers.
Born on November 30th, 1835, Twain grew up in the small town of Hanford, Missouri. His father, John Marshall Clemens, had a great love for the river trades and found work initially as a local magistrate before returning to life as a farmer and store keeper. His mother, Jane Lampton Clemens, is credited with inspiring his love of language, theater, driving him toward literacy and onto the path of being a writer.
Twain’s writing roots began with his early dabbling in journalism. At age 17, he became an apprentice with a printer in St. Louis, Missouri. Here he learned to write stories and was mentored in the craft, although he wasn’t yet working under the iconic pen name of Mark Twain. Soon after, he became a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi river, the experience of which providing the inspiration for many of his writings. Simultaneously, he spent the 1860s writing and working as a newspaper reporter in Nevada and California for various papers that included the Territorial Enterprise and Sacramento Union.
The origin of Twain’s pen name has been a source of debate amongst scholars. A popular belief is that the classic phrase is based off of callers used by boatmen when a river was of two-fathom depths, measured in fathoms or “marks”. Depending on their location on the Mississippi, pilots would call these phrases such as “mark twain”, hence inspiring the writer’s chosen pseudonym.
The Rise of Mark Twain
In 1863, Twain wrote his first piece under the pseudonym “Mark Twain”, a humorous travelogue for the Virginia City Territorial Enterprise newspaper, the first of its kind from the talented author. It was here where he became a celebrity, which was further escalated by his emergence as the iconic Mark Twain. It wasn’t until 1867 that his work began to receive notable recognition due to Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, a short story which was published across the US, eventually in the United Kingdom under the title The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, and Other Sketches.
Much of the fame that followed was due to his works of fiction and humorous essays, eventually leading to the soaring popularity of his language. This appreciation of his work was made evident by the country dedicating “Mark Twain Day” in the early 1930s, and scholars, fans, and aficionados placing him as one of most significant authors of American literature of all time.
Mark Twain’s Struggles
Though his works brought him fame and admiration, his life was not without struggle. His financial misfortunes led to him filing for bankruptcy in 1894 and publicizing the enormous debt he had built up due to his floundering investments. It was his writing that ultimately saved him, launching him into a rebirth of success between 1895 to 1910, resulting in many of his greatest works of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Twain also suffered great personal hardships in his life. The death of his daughter Susy in 1896, followed by his wife’s death in 1904, made it difficult to cope with life and with writing. Despite his mounting depression, Twain never wavered in his contribution to literature and carved out a legacy that lasted long past his own time.
The legacy of Mark Twain and his iconic pseudonym extend beyond the author’s death in 1910. His literary contributions have inspired writers, educators, comedians, and readers alike, influencing the manner in which people speak for centuries to come.
Impact of Mark Twain
In addition to his countless works, he also left an impact beyond the written word. His influence on the English language still exists today, as Twain is credited with coining many phrases. His works are studied and admired in literature classes, and his stories continue to capture the interest of younger readers, breathing life into his classical pieces.
The reverence for the beloved author is expressed in the way in which his works remain timeless, transcending generational and cultural boundaries to be part of the Western canon. In 1962, a US postage stamp was issued in honor of his birthday, effectively immortalizing his life by engraving his figure in the national consciousness.
Literary Critiques
Twain is highly regarded by critics far and wide. His writing has sparked continued debate, with his works receiving both admiration and criticism due to the iconic characters and Twain’s depiction of race and class relations. Scholars have lauded him for his scathing wit and clear criticism of racism and injustice, while others have lambasted him for his depiction of certain figures such as Jim, a Black Slave in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Twain’s representation of dualities—showcasing his writing to be both funny and substantial—have earned him the title of being the ‘father of American literature’. His works, especially The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, have become an integral part of America’s national identity, entrenched in the fabric of the very society from which the beloved author was born.
Legacy of Mark Twain
Though Twain’s path to fame began with a pen name mystery we may never truly solve, the impact of Mark Twain has been felt throughout the world, making him one of America’s most celebrated writers. Sam Clemens will forever be remembered as the trailblazer who not only smashed traditional writing norms, but changed the course of American literature.
His legacy remains strong to this day, with some of his words living on, such as “The holy passion of friendship is of so sweet and steady and loyal and enduring a nature that it will last through a whole lifetime, if not asked to lend money.”
Conclusion of Mark Twain
Though the origins of the iconic pen name remain up for debate, the lasting legacy of Twain’s life and works is something that continues to impress generation after generation. His humor, wit and cultural impact are sure to continue being a source of inspiration across the world for many years to come.
