Who Wrote The Autobiography Of Mark Twain

The Early Life of Mark Twain

The life of Mark Twain has been a controversial and tumultuous one. He was born in Florida, Missouri on November 30, 1835 and was named Samuel Langhorne Clemens. His father, John Clemens, was a lawyer and a son of an immigrant who had arrived from Virginia. John Clemens was a strict, yet supportive father and he provided for the family. Twain’s mother, Jane Lampton Clemens, was from Kentucky and came from an educated and wealthy family. Throughout his early life, Twain was a very fond reader and he found his passion for literature in books such as The Arabian Nights, Don Quixote and Robinson Crusoe.

Although Twain was a very strong reader and writer, he was also a curious and rebellious soul. He had a wild streak and often got into trouble with the authorities. Despite this, he continued to show promise in his writing and excelled in the English language. His brother Orion was very supportive of Twain and encouraged him to pursue his dream of becoming a writer.

Twain’s Struggles

Twain was never content with the conventional life, so he left his home at the age of 17 to pursue a career as a printer. Conrad & Co. of St. Louis became his first job and it was here that he learned how to set type from a pressman. After taking some poorly paying jobs along the way, Twain eventually ended up in the newspaper business at the Hannibal Courier in 1853. Unfortunately, this didn’t last long as Twain was let go for his immature and often controversial views.

Without a steady job, Twain decided to leave Hannibal and head to New York City as a freelance writer. There, he wrote for various newspapers, one of which was the New York Tribune. That year, he was able to make $1000 for his stories and managed to support himself with his new-found career. Unfortunately, this would not last long. Twain was soon confronted with financial difficulties, which furthered his struggle to achieve the career he desired. In the end, he wouldn’t be able to find consistent work and he would have to resort to manual labor.

Twain’s Later Years

Twain managed to slowly build his writing career by writing more stories and books. These included his most famous works such as Tom Sawyer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Innocents Abroad. From these works, Twain was able to achieve what he had struggled to maintain throughout his life, financial stability. His fame eventually allowed for him to tour the world, giving lectures and performing his stories. With the further success of his works, Twain became one of the greatest and most popular American authors of all time.

Twain’s final years were filled with ups and downs. He faced financial and legal issues, as well as the death of his beloved daughter Jean. Despite this, Twain still managed to remain active, writing and touring the world. He passed away on April 21, 1910 in Redding, Connecticut.

The Autobiography of Mark Twain

As to who wrote the Autobiography of Mark Twain, it is believed that Twain wrote the majority of it himself, although it is mostly composed from multiple different sources. It is a collection of stories from his life put together by his own autobiographical notes and dictate. This extensive collection of stories was put together from tape-recorded passages, journals, magazine articles and other miscellaneous pieces of information.

The Autobiography of Mark Twain comes from a variety of sources, some of which are verified, and some which may not be. All in all, it gives a unique insight into a man who lived an extraordinary life and has since become one of the most important literary figures in American literature. It also provides us with an insight into Twain’s thoughts on a wide variety of topics, from religion to political matters.

Analysis of the Autobiography

The Autobiography of Mark Twain is considered by many to be his greatest work. It serves as an insight into the life of the man who was behind the books that have shaped the American culture. What makes Twain’s story so fascinating is that despite his success, he is still able to expose his vulnerabilities and weaknesses, making him a very relatable individual. The Autobiography allows us to look into the inner workings of one of the most iconic figures of our time and gives us a way to connect and empathize with his struggles.

Moreover, the Autobiography is also a valuable source of knowledge about the 19th century culture and society. It gives us a glimpse into a different era and the various issues that Twain had to face both personally and professionally.

Conclusion

The Autobiography of Mark Twain is an extraordinary work, written by a man who lived an extraordinary life. It gives readers an insight into the personal and professional struggles of a 19th century cult figure and is a valuable resource for understanding the culture and society of that time. Whether it was written entirely by Twain himself or not, his Autobiography is an essential part of literary history.

Influence

The works of Mark Twain have had a major influence on American culture. Many of his stories are still enjoyed today and have become a staple in American literature. His characters serve as timeless symbols of courage, resilience and freedom. Furthermore, his works have been interpreted and re-interpreted by scholars and authors alike, giving life to a never-ending cultural phenomenon.

Twain’s books still remain popular today as evidenced by theatrical adaptations, film adaptations and even modern re-interpretations of his works. His Autobiography is also still popular and has become a go-to source for those who want to learn more about the man behind the stories.

Legacy

In conclusion, Mark Twain’s impact on American culture has been far-reaching and his works have become a part of American literary canon. As a writer, he has inspired generations of authors and continues to influence countless others. With his Autobiography, we gain insight into his personal life and the historical context of his works. His timeless stories have become a part of our culture and continue to bring to life the power and importance of storytelling.

Dannah Hannah is an established poet and author who loves to write about the beauty and power of poetry. She has published several collections of her own works, as well as articles and reviews on poets she admires. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a specialization in poetics, from the University of Toronto. Hannah was also a panelist for the 2017 Futurepoem book Poetry + Social Justice, which aimed to bring attention to activism through poetry. She lives in Toronto, Canada, where she continues to write and explore the depths of poetry and its influence on our lives.

Leave a Comment