Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known by his pseudonym Mark Twain, was one of America’s most celebrated and prolific writers of the 19th century. Twain first adopted his pen name in 1863, when he was working as a writer for the Virginia City newspaper the Territorial Enterprise. He had been fascinated with riverboats during his brief tenure at this post, and with Mark Twain being a call used on boats to indicate two fathoms of water, he adopted the name from something familiar to him.
By 1867 Twain had moved East to become one of America’s best known authors, and as such his diverse body of work ranged from humorous pieces including “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” (1865), to in-depth travel writings such as “Roughing It” (1872) and his masterpiece “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” (1885). Twain is credited with introducing the ‘picture vernacular’, which affects a remote and sparse style to the dialogue of his characters, and perfectly modeled a picturesque era of American history and society. He also sparked much criticism for his liberal use of the ‘n-word’ in his writings, albeit in line with what was common usage at the time.
Twain was an exceptionally laid-back intellectual, and often attempted to challenge hypocrisy and expose social injustice in his work. His critique of religious and political institutions and figures of his time made Twain a revolutionary, who set the stage for subsequent writers and authors of the America he so proudly hailed from. He often blended realism and Romanticism, stirring up thought provoking descriptions of the world around him. Commenting on the prejudices and slavery he saw off of the Mississippi River, Twain wrote, “This entire maddening human barnyard of a race question has its roots in slavery…”.
Twain, who could often be found with a stogie in his mouth, also famously wrote “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” (1876) and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” (1885). These satirical works poke fun at provincialism and bigotry of the small American towns along the Mississippi River, and were considered revolutionary for the industry at that time. Always outspoken and with oftentimes controversial opinions, he was called to testify before the U.S. Senate in 1906 because of his publication of “What is Man”.
Early Life and Career
Before adopting his pen name, Twain would sign his work “S.L. Clemens” which he used to write his first great success, “Roughing It” (1872). He wrote this and other works at his family’s cabin in Elmira, New York, where he would spend time to later escape the pressures of daily life in bustling urban New York City.
Clemens was born and raised in Missouri, the youngest of seven children. He was originally from a poor family, and his father was always absent due to his involvement with land speculation. He received his early education from the small village schoolhouse he attended with his siblings, and the four years following his father’s death when he supported his family by working in a printer’s office.
When he was nineteen he left for the Mississippi River to become a steamboat pilot. However, the Civil War began before he could complete the necessary training for the job. So instead he joined the Confederate Militia, though he only joined for a few weeks, before slipping away to get the protection of his brother at his family’s estate. Soon he found himself out of work, and living in poverty in the wake of the war. He was forced to work as a prospector until eventually he was able to find steady employment as a travel writer.
Falling on Hard Times
In the years after becoming “Mark Twain”, Clemens wrote a number of successful novels and short stories. He toured the United States and Europe alike to spread his message and gain recognition for his work. However, the death of his young daughter and financial issues caused by poor investments led him to suffer from depression and debt, culminating in an irrevocable diagnosis of multiple cancers.
In the fall of 1909, Clemens sold his beloved Connecticut estate, Stormfield, and left his sheltered world to embark on a world lecture tour which seemed to restore his sense of purpose. Sadly, Clemens’ health rapidly declined and on April 21, 1910, he passed away in his sleep at the age of 74.
In his last years, Mark Twain earned respect as one of the most captivating writers of his time. In part due to his frankness, dry humor, and profound understanding of the human heart, he gained a reputation as a spiritual guide. He developed a large following from the many readers who deeply connected with his writings and characters. His work remains timelessly relevant, and he is revered as an American original.
Twain’s Influence in the Literary World
Mark Twain is largely credited for the development of American Realism and American Regionalism, which helped shaped what American literature looks like today. Twain was able to bring the lives, language and experiences of a specific region and time to life through his descriptions of small-town America, that many readers could understand and appreciate.
His writings have also been frequently studied in literature classes and through criticism. Scholarly criticism of Twain can date back to the 19th and 20th centuries, when scholars argued over the complexities of his works and the various meanings they held. The prevalence of anti-racist perspectives of his works has also been debated, with some seeing him as revolutionary in his attitude towards issues of race, while others have seen his works as paternalistic and too heavily embedded in the culture at the time.
Twain’s influence and mark continues to be seen in the works of other authors. He was one of the earliest authors to use dialectal language in his novels, which has been replicated and updated for contemporary authors and contemporary times. Additionally, Twain’s literary style has inspired numerous authors and writers, from Ernest Hemingway, who declared Twain to be the “father of American Literature,” to the modern acclaimed writer, Cormac McCarthy.
The Legacy of Mark Twain
A century after his death, Twain is still remembered fondly, both as a beloved figure representing the United States’ cultural heritage and spirit of rebellion, but also as a beloved author who created unforgettable characters and stories like no other. His style of writing was revolutionary and pushed the boundaries, and laid the foundation for contemporary American literature.
His legacy lives on in various ways throughout America, both in terms of his literary contributions and societal views, as well as through his works being consulted and read. He has been recognized with a number of awards and acknowledgements, including being inducted into the California Hall of Fame, and an honorary plaque that was placed on the side of his childhood home. In addition, cities, roads and rivers have been named after him and his works, and a number of films, television series and plays have been adapted from his books in recent years.
Enduring Impact
The popular use of Mark Twain’s quotes has kept him alive in many households, even some that have never read any of his works. As Twain himself said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” This and other adages found in Twain’s works often remain with readers and have served as life-guiding mottos throughout the years.
It is clear that Twain had a remarkable and lasting effect on American culture as well as on the world of literature. He is an inspiration to many, not just as a writer but as a spirit of rebellion that still remains in the back of many minds. While he may not have gained fame and notoriety in his early life, America recognized him after his death as a creative soul and powerful writer. And although he is no longer with us, Mark Twain’s indomitable spirit will live on in his works for years to come.
Influence on Early 20th Century Literature
By being one of the most prominent realists of his time, Twain helped to create a revolutionary culture, especially in the mid to late 1800s. His work pushed the boundaries of what was considered literature, by exposing the struggles and the biases of his society. The impact of his writing was evident in the way other authors began writing about their own experiences in the style of Realism.
Other authors of the early 20th Century- Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner- both strived to bring the same authenticity and vivid description in their works as Twain had. African American writers such as Booker T. Washington and NAACP journalist Ida B. Wells have cited Twain’s work as an influence in their writing as well. His work was incredibly impactful in its ability to show human truths and social issues.
The influence of Mark Twain’s writing and the thought-provoking nature of his works can be seen throughout American Literature. Though we may never fully understand the true impact of his writing and thought processes, his use of realism and boldness of expression will remain timeless throughout American Literature.
Popular Covers of Twain’s Work
Mark Twain’s work continues to be popular to this day and it is still widely read. In fact, his works have been adapted into various movies, TV shows, and musicals. The 1926 Academy Award-winning movie The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a classic example of one of Twain’s most famous works being adapted into a feature film.
Another adaptation of Twain’s work came in the form of the musical The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, which premiered in 1973 on Broadway. The musical, penned by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, remains a favorite of theatergoers today and is currently licensed through MTI.
Mark Twain’s most famous work, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, has also seen many variations, adaptations, and spin-offs. One of, if not the most popular adaptation, is the animated film The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which was released in 1975 and remains widely acclaimed today. Additionally, television shows such as the beloved CBS series Gunsmoke featured a spin-off episode titled The Huckleberry, which follows the adventures of a character inspired by Twain’s famed protagonist.
Twain’s works are many of the most popular and widely adapted works of classic literature and show no signs of losing their relevance today. Innumerable theater, movie, and television productions are paying tribute to Twain’s works, honoring his place in American literature.
