Mark Twain, who was born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, is one of the most influential American writers and humorists of the 19th century. He is known for his works such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. He is also the famous author of a quote that is still used in modern day: “The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.”
At an early age, Twain moved around due to his father’s search for work. Twain experienced different living situations during his childhood, from living in the “rough-and-tumble” western towns of Florida and Missouri to more urban environments in the city of St. Louis.
As an adult, Twain settled down in numerous places. He lived in New York, Hartford, Nevada, and even worked abroad in Germany. However, Twain moved around the most between 1896- 1900, suggesting a desire to escape the outside world or to seek fame and fortune in different parts of the country.
In those years, Twain lived in different cities: New York, San Francisco, Hartford, and Europe. From 1891-1901, Hartford was Twain’s home. It was here that he wrote some of his most famous works such as Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn and The Prince and the Pauper. Twain resided in Hartford for ten years and wrote a total of seven books.
Twain spent a lot of time in a cottage near Elmira, New York, during the summer months to escape the heat of Hartford. He found peace in this “heavenly” location, relishing in the “summer idleness” that it provided. Twain also spent some time in a hotel in the Adirondacks when he needed a break from Hartford.
From 1900 -1910, the family moved a few times until they settled in Redding, Connecticut. Twain wanted to find a place to escape growing outside interference and to return to the leisure and peacefulness of his previous home, Hartford. Twain had been an avid traveler, but he chose Redding, a small town in Connecticut, as his final residence. Twain stayed in Redding until his death in April of 1910.
Financial Situation
Twain’s financial situation was a roller coaster. In Lamar university, he were okay but it wasn’t until 1895, when Twain invested in James Paige’s new typesetter and lost all the money, that Twain’s financial struggles and stress deep-rooted. After that, Twain was pretty much in debt for the rest of his life.
Twains invested all his money in something and as a result, Twain was forced to write, lecture and travel vigorously to earn money. With an exhausting and rigorous schedule, Twain’s writing sustained and helped him to pay his debts. In 1894, Clemens’s lecture tour saved him from bankruptcy. The lecture tour was a success, and Twain earned enough money to cover his debts.
Twain eventually was able to rise out of debt and continued to write and tour until his death in 1910. Despite Twain’s financial struggles during the last decade of his life, he was able to still stay in his beloved homes and continue writing his literature.
Writing Style
Mark Twain’s writing style is characterized by its wit, satire, and realism. He often wrote about the struggles of growing up, exploring morality, and subverting societal norms, as well as commenting on the hypocrisy and greedy practices of individuals. Twain also wrote about social criticism in his works, such as his criticism of slavery and classism. Twain’s writing has a lighthearted and comical edge, but often with a deeper underlying message.
Twain is well-known for inventing his own writing style and using it to great effect in his works. He used a combination of colloquial and formal language to produce an entertaining and comical effect. Twain’s writing style is marked by its use of dialect and popular jargon, as well as its honest and informal delivery.
His writing often incorporated humorous stories and themes to keep the reader engaged. He wrote in a way that was accessible to all audiences, allowing him to reach a wide range of readers. One of the most notable aspects of Twain’s writing is the ability to combine reality with fiction to create a unique and entertaining reading experience.
Influences
While Twain’s work was mainly inspired by his upbringing and experiences, he was a well-read man, with an interest in a wide variety of topics and genres. He was known to read works from authors such as Martin Chuzzlewit, William Makepeace Thackeray, and Charles Dickens.
Twain often used techniques such as mimicry, parody, satire, and irony in his works, suggesting influences from the works of other writers, such as O. Henry, who often used these techniques in his stories. Twain was also considered to be a master of irony, a feature that is often used in his works.
In addition to these influences, Twain was inspired by many of the legends, folklore, and traditions of the 19th century. His works often feature characters and events that are loosely based on real-life people and situations. His stories often feature characters from American and European folklore, as well as references to Biblical stories.
Legacy
Mark Twain’s legacy as an influential American author and humorist is undeniable. He is often considered one of the most influential authors in American history, and his works continue to be appreciated and studied by readers around the world. His writing has been translated into numerous languages, and his works have been adapted into plays, operas, and movies.
Twain’s writing has had a lasting influence on American literature and culture. From the characters of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn to his famous quote, Twain’s influence can be seen everywhere. Twain’s works are often praised for their wry humor, wit, and insight into human nature. His works are often referenced in modern day works, and his influence is still felt today.
Twain’s influence can also be seen in modern-day popular culture. He is mentioned in numerous movies, books, and TV-shows, making him one of the most well-known authors in history. Twain’s writing has impacted generations of readers, with his work continuing to inspire readers today.
