Samuel Clemens, more famously known as Mark Twain, is an American literary icon whose works have inspired generations with his wit and insight on life. Born in 1835, Twain spent much of his life in the towns of Hannibal, Missouri and Hartford, Connecticut, and his works often alluded to his hometowns. Twain passed away from a heart attack in 1910, and his burial is as unique as his works.
The burial site for Mark Twain is twofold – a distinct grave in Elmira, New York and a much more famous memorial in The Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, New York. Twain was first buried in an unmarked grave in Elmira, in accordance with the wishes of his wife Olivia. The original marker simply reads “Remembrance of our Family”; the grave merely consisting of the names of Twain and his wife.
The second burial site, The Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, was erected in 1912 as a place intended to honor the life and work of Twain. Created as a memorial monument, the 14-foot high slab of marble is inscribed with a quote from Twain’s novel, Life on the Mississippi: “Death, the only immortal who treats us all alike, whose pity and whose peace and whose refuse are for all–—the soiled and the pure, the rich and the poor, the loved and the unloved.”
The grave and memorial site in Elmira serves as more than just a historical landmark for Twain’s life and works; it also honors the work of many writers that Twain loved and admired. Twain himself ordered the names of numerous writers be placed upon his grave, including John Greenleaf Whittier, Walt Whitman, and George Eliot,who were all great authors in their own right. It was Twain’s wish that those who visit this site remember those authors and respect their works.
Perhaps the greatest testament to the legacy of Twain is the fact that his burial site continues to attract legions of fans each year. Both the grave and the memorial have become destinations for both Twain fans and scholars, who visit to pay respect and to learn more about his life and works. In addition, twain’s burial sites also host a range of events and classes that explore his life and works, helping to keep the memory of Twain alive even today.
An Old Spark of Irony and Humor
The graveyard surrounding Twain’s burial spot in Elmira is filled with many an old headstone – perhaps an homage to the humor for which Twain was known for during his lifetime. Twain’s monument reads “Signed by the Survivors”, a wink to his work, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, for which the title character fakes his own death and attempts to collect his own funeral procession. That old spark of irony still surrounds Twain’s burial site today.
An interesting fact in regards to Twain’s burial is that despite his fame and immense popularity, the author’s grave has never been stolen or stolen from. The grave and memorial house have never been vandalized nor have Twain’s remains been tampered with. It is perhaps a testament to the respect and reverence in which Twain is still held.
Twain fans and devotees also recognize another detail regarding Twain’s burial site that many might not be aware of. Twain’s family members are also buried with him in Elmyra, and visitors can explore the graves of Twain’s father, mother and brother should they wish to so. It further reinforces the message of family and companionship that Twain imparted through his works.
Respecting the Memory of Mark Twain
When visiting Twain’s gravesite, it is important to remember that it should be respected as a place of quiet solitude and solemn remembrance. Twain’s family and fans mourn his passing each day, and visitors to the grave should remain mindful of this fact when visiting.
Before visiting Twain’s gravesite, it is also important to make sure that the site is open for visitors and to note any restrictions or safety concerns that have been implemented due to Covid-19. Twain’s gravesite is open to the public and visitors should remember to dress respectfully and to follow any guidelines put in place by the site’s administrators.
Finally, Twain’s burial site serves as a wonderful reminder of both the man and his works. A visit to Twain’s graves site provides an opportunity to understand Twain’s life and works on a deeper level, to appreciate the influence he had on literature and to pay respects to a man whose life still resonates today.
The Impact of Mark Twain’s Works
Mark Twain’s works have left a permanent mark on American literature, and the authors and works that he himself admired. From his childhood memories in Hannibal to his travels on the Mississippi, Twain created a world that continues to inspire today. Twain’s audience was wide and varied, and his works remain some of the most widely read and studied books in history.
Twain’s works enjoyed immense success during his lifetime, and have managed to stay popular to this day. His most famous works, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, continue to sell well and are regularly adapted for film and theater. To this day Twain’s works continue to offer readers an important view on life, through witty observations, memorable characters and personal experiences.
Twain’s works also managed to address controversial topics such as racism and slavery, and his honest depiction of these issues make his works timelessly relevant. His works continue to be a source of inspiration for people around the world, presenting powerful insights into life, culture and society.
The Legacy of Mark Twain
In addition to his works, Twain’s legacy is also found in his life. During his lifetime, Twain was a renowned celebrity and public figure, enjoying great success throughout his life. Twain was also known to be quite progressive with his beliefs and convictions, speaking out in favor of civil rights and women’s suffrage. To this day he is revered as an icon of American literature and a pioneer of social activism.
The legacy of Twain is also found in his burial site and the family buried there. The site honors an incredible life and an incredible man, and it serves as a reminder of Twain’s influence on literature, activism, and human progress. His burial site also serves as a reminder of the need to recognize and embrace the contributions of all authors, both past and present.
From Twain’s monument and grave to his works, Twain’s legacy still lives on. He has left an indelible mark on the history of the world, and his memory and works continue to inspire many today.
The Influence of Mark Twain on Modern Literature
It quickly becomes apparent that Twain’s works and his legacy continue to resonate with modern audiences. Twain’s writing style has a clear influence in the works of many modern authors, as they often cite him as a major influence in their universal themes, characterization and style. Twain’s storytelling ability and insight have been a major influence on many modern authors, inspiring them with his wit and imagination.
Twain’s influence can also be found in modern adaptations of his works. Films and plays regularly draw on the themes of Twain’s stories and the characters of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn remain household names today. Many of the modern adaptations recognize and embrace the humor and the gravity of Twain’s works, both of which contribute to the messages of his stories.
Twain’s influence on literature and storytelling goes far beyond just his works. He continues to inspire authors, filmmakers, dramatists and readers alike by providing a powerful reminder that even the smallest of stories can have the greatest of impacts. Twain’s works continue to be a source of inspiration for generations to come.
Preserving the Memory of Mark Twain
The legacy of Mark Twain will live on for many years to come, and Twain’s final resting place serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and respecting those who have gone before us. Twain’s grave remains a place of great historical and literary importance, and visitors will continue to travel to both the grave itself and the local memorial sites in order to pay their respects to the beloved author.
Preserving the memory of Twain is important, and the sites of his burial provide a place to remember and reflect upon both the life and works of this iconic author. Twain’s works can continue to both educate and entertain readers, making sure that Twain’s legacy and influence live on for many years to come.
