In 1891, Mark Twain moved to Hartford, Connecticut – a move that would shape the rest of his career and would become one of the most important decisions of his life. There were many factors that played into Twain’s decision to move to Connecticut, and many of them are still not fully understood.
One factor that undoubtedly sparked Twain’s decision was the climate in Hartford. Compared to Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, Missouri, Hartford had much more pleasant weather, with summer temperatures that rarely exceeded the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. The climate in Connecticut also offered significantly less humidity and more rainfall, both of which appealed to the author.
Another major factor was the culture and environment of the city itself. Hartford had a unique mixture of industrial success and literary history, with many of the country’s most successful publishing houses based in the city. In addition, the city had many bookstores, reading rooms, and libraries, which provided Twain with a wealth of research material.
Twain also had personal and political motivations for his move to Hartford. He found his home in Hannibal to be too small and conservative for his tastes, and he wanted to be able to broaden his horizons. He was also an ardent abolitionist, and Hartford was a stronghold of that movement at the time.
Despite the many reasons that Twain chose to move to Hartford, the most important is still debated today: the city offered Twain the chance to become the writer he wanted to be. Hartford was home to many accomplished authors, critics, publishers, and other figures of influence. It was also the city in which Twain would write, publish, and receive all of the acclaim for his greatest works, such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Education in Hartford
Twain was able to fully explore his literary aspirations in Hartford and was even able to attend classes and lectures at the city’s renowned literary institution, Trinity College. Twain took the opportunity to deepen his understanding of the craft of writing, studying under renowned authors such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Louisa May Alcott. Through his studies, Twain was able to rub elbows with some of the greatest minds of his day.
Writing Habits
Twain was able to explore and embrace his writing in Hartford. He was able to find his own voice and create the style that came to define him. He established a writing routine, ensuring that he set aside time to write on a regular basis. This allowed Twain to hone his craft and develop the talent for which he is remembered for today.
Influence on Twain’s Writing
Twain’s time in Hartford had a profound influence on his writing. The climate – both in Hartford and externally – allowed Twain to write with a greater sense of comfort and freedom. He was able to explore the nuances of his craft and create the incomparable works that still bring enjoyment today. Twain’s move to Hartford was a revolutionary decision, one that spurred his success and changed the course of American literature.
Criticism of Twain
Despite his renowned success, Twain’s work in Hartford did receive its fair share of criticism. Numerous critics wrote disapprovingly of Twain’s work, noting the lack of literary sophistication and the use of colloquial language. This criticism was often met with disdain from Twain himself, who argued for the necessity of using colloquial language as a way to reach his audience.
Legacy of Twain
Ultimately, Twain’s time in Hartford was an immense success. While the great author and his work have been debated since, the legacy of Twain still lives on. His work continues to be read and discussed by both the casual reader and the academic scholar. Twain’s Hartford years were a crucial part of his career’s development, and the success he achieved gives a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work.
