Background Information
Mark Twain, whose real name was Samuel Clemens, was an American author who enjoyed a long and illustrious career. He gained notoriety for his books such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and its sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which are now considered classics of the American literary canon. Twain was born in Florida, Missouri in 1835 and moved to nearby Hannibal in his childhood. He was a great admirer of his hometown, which served as the inspiration for much of his later work.
Twain’s later years were marked by increasing isolation and depression. He moved much of the time, residing in Honolulu, Paris, Germany and Italy. As his physical health deteriorated, Twain spent most of his final years in Elmira, New York. During his stay, Twain was visited by his close friends, family and the local community who respected and admired him. He became like a local celebrity, and despite his later years being marked by sorrow and despair, Twain left a lasting impact on the people of Elmira.
Reason for Burial in Elmira
Though Twain died in Redding, Connecticut on April 21, 1910 from a heart attack, his death was kept a secret for nearly a week so that his friends, family and the residents of Elmira could plan for his burial. Twain had developed a deep attachment to the people of Elmira, who, by all accounts, had reciprocated his affection. Reports suggest that the people of Elmira offered to build a single family mausoleum for Twain, although he himself had been planning for his burial in Holyhood Cemetery in Massachusetts since 1902.
Ultimately, Twain was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, fulfilling the wishes of his wife and his friends. There were various factors that most likely weighed into the decision to bury Twain in Elmira. Twain had requested his burial in Massachusetts while an offer of a single family mausoleum had also been made by the people of Elmira. His wife, Olivia Langdon Clemens, had strong family ties to Elmira and so it was fitting that he be buried in the place that held so much importance for her and her late husband.
The Twain Mausoleum
Twain’s remains were eventually interred in a private cemetery in Elmira that was owned by the Langdon family. A mausoleum was built in his honor and was dedicated on June 15, 1912 in a solemn ceremony that was attended by many of Twain’s closest friends, family and admirers. This mausoleum, which was designed by renowned architect Robert H. Robertson in an Egyptian Revival style, underwent extensive renovations in 1988 and is modeled after Cleopatra’s monument, in memory of Twain’s travels abroad. The mausoleum was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
The Lasting Legacy of Mark Twain
The people of Elmira remain deeply influenced by Twain and his presence in the region is still felt today. In addition to his mausoleum, there is a Mark Twain study at Elmira College, the Mark Twain District in downtown Elmira and the Mark Twain “Ghost Walk” Tour. He is still fondly remembered as a great writer and cherished for his influence and impact on American literature.
Twain has been described as a “humanist and a moralist,” one who not only wrote great stories, but taught others how to live their lives with honesty and integrity. His philosophy of rejecting the mundane and embracing travel and adventure continues to be a source of inspiration for many who read his works and emulate the lifestyles of his famous characters. Thus, Twain’s burial in Elmira is an important reminder of the impact that he had on the region and his continued legacy as a beloved American novelist.
The Significance to Elmira
In many ways, Twain is a source of local pride for the people of Elmira. They recall fondly the time that Twain spent in the area and the way in which he touched the lives of so many individuals in the local community. Twain’s burial in Elmira recognizes his strong connection to the area and is symbolic of the respect and admiration that he earned from the people of Elmira. The tombstone reads: “So the author of Huckleberry Finn was buried in the land of his last years.”
The Impact of Twain’s Work
Twain’s legacy lives on in his works, which have been widely celebrated and studied for their insight into the American character and society. He has been credited with bringing attention to racial injustice, exploring the human condition and depicting the development of the American identity. His works have been translated into many languages, and are read and studied around the world.
Twain is remembered for his lively humor and vivid portrayals of the American experience, particularly that of the rural South during the nineteenth century. His works have been adapted for stage and screen, and are considered masterpieces of American literature. He is often cited as the first modern American author, and his influence can be felt in countless contemporary works.
Twain’s Role in the Development of American Literature
Twain’s influence on the development of the American literary canon cannot be overstated. He was one of the first to recognize the power of the regional dialect, humor and wit in American literature. He saw the potential for the language used by the common folk to become a way of expressing their stories. As a result, he has been credited as a groundbreaking figure in the development of American literature.
Although Twain’s works have been discussed for their irony, humor and romanticization of the American South, he also wrote about injustice and cruelty in his time. His works broke new ground and challenged expectations. He pushed the boundaries of American literature, making his works accessible and relevant to millions of readers around the world.
Twain and Human Freedom
Twain was a great believer in the power of human freedom and this was reflected in his works. He wrote about justice and the American Dream, giving voice to those whose stories had been neglected by the literary and political establishments. Twain was a staunch defender of the civil rights of African Americans, women, and other oppressed people and his works reflect his convictions.
Twain’s works were also a vehicle for his condemnation of the materialism, prejudice and hypocrisy which characterized his time. He highlighted the plight of the down-trodden and spoke out against leaders and systems which sought to exploit and oppress those of lesser means. He stands as an influential figure in the struggle for a fairer, more equitable society.
Conclusion
Twain’s burial in Elmira serves as an important reminder of his place in American literature. It is a testament to his influence on the development of a regional, distinct form of American literature that calls attention to injustice, explores the human condition and celebrates the richness of life. Twain’s legacy serves as a source of pride for the people of Elmira and a source of inspiration to all who are working to make a fairer, more equitable society.
