Overview
Mark Twain is a renowned American author and humorist who, despite having created some of the world’s most memorable works, is often overlooked and overshadowed by other famous writers. This article shall focus on the importance of Mark Twain and the impact his work had on the world of literature.
Early Life & Career
Born into a family of five in 1835, Twain (born as Samuel Clemens) is believed to have derived his pseudonym from the call of steamboat officers who’d use the term ‘Mark Twain’ to indicate the river’s depth was two fathoms – or 12feet. Being a voracious reader as a child, he soon developed a passion for writing and stories and began contributing to his brother’s newspaper by the age of 13. An exceptional mastery of language was observed in Twain’s work even from quite an early age; which soon saw him become a steamboat pilot at age 16. Unfortunately, the Civil War disrupted his career and he ended up resuming newspaper work in the following years. It was during this time that he first began penning satirical sketches and short stories, transitioning fluidly between realism and comedy in his pieces.
Key Works & Influence
Twain is best known for his two most celebrated works – The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – released in 1876 and 1884 respectively. The story of an adventuresome boy, Tom Sawyer, and his mischievousness gained immense popularity amongst readers of all ages. His masterpiece, the The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, is a tale of a young boy, Huck Finn, and his escape from the everyday oppressive lifestyle, described in a humorous, though not always positive, manner highlighting the difficulties of growing up in a society filled with superstition, hypocrisy, and slavery. This book is considered to be revolutionary, even to this day, as it presented an unprecedented and raw depiction of racism in society. Apart from these two, he also wrote several short stories, novels, and plays, many of which were layered with complex socio-political humor, exposing the wrongs of humanity.
Recognition & Legacy
Mark Twain was respected as a prominent author even during his lifetime. In 1902, as a sign of respect and appreciation, he was awarded a Doctorate of Letters from the University of Oxford in England. Twain had a particular fascination for wordplay, showing that with its use, even stories about difficult topics could be made entertaining. Looking back through the years, it can be clearly seen his works have left a lasting impact on society, and in the literary world. To this day, his books have been translated into numerous languages, with studies and analyses devoted to their portrayal of the human condition. The works have been adapted into musicals, TV shows, and even feature films; a clear indication of the success Twain has achieved.
Social Reform & Contribution
Contrary to common misbelief, Twain was outspoken on many facets of politics and culture, and his views were far from conservative. He was a vocal advocate for civil rights and had a staunch opposition to capitalist greed. In addition, Twain often wrote to raise awareness about social injustices such as imperialism and racism. Through his works, he had instigated a sense of responsibility, of the individual and of society, in the wider world. His credence for social reform was unwavering, and he often used satire to articulate his criticisms in a more palatable and comedic way. His works were a beacon of social reform as well as a source of entertainment. As previous generations have also been greatly inspired by his works, his influence will continue to have an impact on generations to come.
Humour & Satire
Humour has long been a significant element in Twain’s works, a facet that saw him gain immense popularity with his audience. He often used satire and sarcasm to critique social issues and cultural practices. His witty and amusing stories have been commended by many as they draw on common human experiences and feelings, while at the same time creating a sense of joy and light relief. Twain’s satirical pieces have a certain timelessness, as his observations remain relevant today. Furthermore, his humour is multigenerational, entertaining both adults and young children with his inventive wordplay, captivating stories and anecdotes.
Paradoxical Nature
Besides humour, Twain also employs a distinct paradoxical style in his works. This duality seen in his work allows readers to experience two sides to a situation – both simultaneously and contrastingly. It creates an interesting dichotomy which he consistently employs throughout most of his stories. This ability to balance comedy with serious topics has garnered Twain much respect. His particular use of language has also been credited for making his works a classic, even to this day.
Criticisms & Skepticism
Despite his immense fame and success, Twain did not go without criticism. It has often been suggested that Twain is biased in some of his works and his characters may be depicted with some of his own prejudices. This has raised some concerns over Twain’s views on religion and racism. In addition, some reviews of his works mention them as being overlong and not altogether satisfying. Despite these criticisms, it’s clear to see the impact of Twain’s works in today’s literature, with authors drawing much inspiration from Twain’s revolutionary writing style.
Celebrating Twain’s Achievements
Many believe Twain has not yet been fully appreciated. Nostalgic feelings of times gone past have become embedded within his works, making each piece unique, yet not without the underlying bouts of humour and wit that have become the hallmark of Twain-esque writing. His use of imagery, combined with his ability to tap into the minds of his readers, has made him a legend. Mark Twain is an indispensable talent, an author unparallel to any other in his ability to stretch the boundaries of literature.
