...Mark Twain On Nov. 30, 1835, the small town of Florida, Mo. witnessed the birth of its most famous son. Samuel Langhorne Clemens was welcomed into the world as the sixth child of John Marshall and Jane Lampton Clemens. Little did John and Jane know, their son Samuel would one day be known as Mark Twain - America's most famous literary icon. Approximately four years after his birth, in 1839, the Clemens family moved 35 miles east to the town of Hannibal. A growing port city that lie along the banks of the Mississippi, Hannibal was a frequent stop for steam boats arriving by both day and night from St. Louis and New Orleans. Samuel's father was a judge, and he built a two-story frame house at 206 Hill Street in 1844. As a youngster, Samuel was kept indoors because of poor health. However, by age nine, he seemed to recover from his ailments and joined the rest of the town's children outside. He then attended a private school in Hannibal. When Samuel was 12, his father died of pneumonia, and at 13, Samuel left school to become a printer's apprentice. After two short years, he joined his brother Orion's newspaper as a printer and editorial assistant. It was here that young Samuel found he enjoyed writing. At 17, he left Hannibal behind for a printer's job in St. Louis. While in St. Louis, Clemens became a river pilot's apprentice. He became a licensed river pilot in 1858. Clemens' pseudonym, Mark Twain, comes from his days as a river pilot. It is a river term which means...
Words: 510 - Pages: 3
...Langhorne Clemens: Mark Twain (pen name) Mark Twain"—steamboat slang for twelve feet of water. I. Personal Background 1. When was the author born? Where was the place he grew up? Mark Twain was born on November 30, 1835 in Florida, Missouri, U.S. but grew up in Hannibal, Missouri. 2. Describe the childhood and educational experiences of the author. In his youth, Twain was a mischievous boy, the prototype of his character, Tom Sawyer. Though he was plagued by poor health in his early years, by age nine he had already learned to smoke, led a small band of pranksters, and had developed an aversion to school. Twain's formal schooling ended after age 12, because his father passed away in March of that year. He became an apprentice in a printer's shop and then worked under his brother, Orion, at the Hannibal Journal, where he quickly became saturated in the newspaper trade. Rising to the role of sub-editor, Twain indulged in the frontier humor that flourished in journalism at the time: tall tales, satirical pranks, and jokes. II. Influences of the Writer The following were the persons, things, places and events that influenced Mark Twain. -his connection to the mississippi river as a boy and the fact that he became a riberboat pilot -time spent traveling the world -the nice life he led shortly after he married -tragedies in his family -financial problems -problems he saw in the south during reconstruction Hannibal inspired several of Mark Twain's fictional...
Words: 1738 - Pages: 7
...Mark Twain Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, is perhaps the most distinguished author of American Literature. Next to William Shakespeare, Clemens is arguably the most prominent writer the world has ever seen. In 1818, Jane Lampton found interest in a serious young lawyer named John Clemens. With the Lampton family in heavy debt and Jane only 15 years of age, she soon arried John. The family moved to Gainesboro, Tennessee where Jane gave birth to Orion Clemens. In the summer of 1827 the Clemenses relocated to Virginia where John purchased thousands of acres of land and opened a legal advice store. The lack of success of the store led John to drink heavily. Scared by his addiction, John vowed never to drink again. Even though John now resisted alcohol, he faced other addictions. His concoction of aloe, rhubarb, and a narcotic cost him most of his savings and money soon became tight (Paine 34-35). The family soon grew with the birth of Pamela late in 1827. Their third child,Pleasant Hannibal, did not live past three months, due to illness. In 1830 Margaret was born and the family moved to Pall Mall, a rural county in Tennessee. After Henry's birth in 1832, the value of their farmland greatly depreciated and sent the Clemenses on the road again. Now they would stay with Jane's sister in Florida, Missouri where she ran a successful business with her husband. Clemens was born on November 30, 1835, in the small remote town of Florida, Missouri. Samuel's parents...
Words: 331 - Pages: 2
...Samuel Langhorne Clemens, also know as Mark Twain, was born in 1835 and died in 1910 (Student Handbook 379). He is best known as an American humorist and for his realistic view of America in the nineteenth century through his novels and other stories. He had the whole world captivated through his expert writing and lectures. "I never let my schooling interfere with my education (home.eathlink.net/…/twain.html)," Mark Twain once said. Mark Twain was a great inspiration to America in the nineteenth century and is still an inspiration to contemporary writers today. Mark Twain was born as Samuel Langhorne Clemens in the small town of Florida, Missouri. He lived in a small, two-bedroom house, and being the fourth of five children, it was obviously very crowded in their house (Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia 1). In 1839, at the age of four, he and his family moved to Hannibal, Missouri which is located directly adjacent to the Mississippi River (World Book 530). Here is where Twain grew up as a boy. This was where his inspiration of most his books came from. He witnessed things that would later make him the great author as we know him today. Without this period in his life, a huge chunk of literary history would be missing from America. By living on the banks of the Mississippi River, he experienced many wonderful things like colorful steamboats traveling down the river, some would just pass by, while many would stop and exchange cargo. These steamboats would bring...
Words: 1692 - Pages: 7
...Mark Twain knew that the word” nigger” is a controversial and offensive word for many people, especially, African American. The word is still being used, is still used offensively, and why the word has to be talked about early enough so that people know the sheer amount of weight behind this word. But, the problem is that the n-word is not been substituted with an inoffensive word, instead the substitution is the word “slave” which is another offensive word. The word is obviously part of our history and that history shouldn’t be forgotten. It shouldn’t be used pejoratively, but some do and people always will. Now a publisher has attempted to whitewash Huck Finn by replacing the word “nigger” with “slave.” Why? "The n-word speaks to a society that casually dehumanized the black community. Slave was just a job description. In the debate of whether to replace the “N” word with slave, we must ask ourselves, “is that word any better?” Would we want to be called either word? It is a word created by man, and really was not originally created for its current use. But of course, now that it has been labeled a “bad word”, and has a condescending affect, its meaning is offensive. To edit the original version that changes the entire nature of the book is just wrong This may be risky because the new version of the text might replace all previous ones. In attempting to win new readers with a school friendly version all past and potential readers could be deprived of a piece of American...
Words: 864 - Pages: 4
...or everyday phrases are known as Colloquialism. Mark Twain can convey an image of Huckleberry Fin by using a colloquialism in the "Adventures of Huckleberry Fin." In this book, Mark Twain can bring his characters to life by using a colloquialism and vernacular writing. By enabling the reader to read in the language and slang that was used in Huckleberry Fins daily life the reader can start to see the characters as real people. Mark Twain used Mississippi dialect to show the area that the characters were living in. Once of the passages from the story is: "I hadn't had a bite to eat since yesterday, so Jim he got out some corn-doggers and buttermilk, and pork and cabbage and greens-there ain't nothing in the world so good when it's cooked right-and whilst I eat my supper we talked and had a good time." (Twain, 1986) Using the spelling that is not correct but we as readers are still able to read the words and understand what he is trying to say. Mark Twain allows us to be a part of the story. While reading the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn we find ourselves re-reading the story in order to fully understand what Mark Twain is trying to convey. The slang and dialect make it easy to read but a little harder to understand. Mark Twain was able to use the slang of the area to carry the living conditions and the education level of each of his characters. Reference Twain, M. (1986). The adventures of Huckleberry Finn...
Words: 269 - Pages: 2
...------------------------------------------------- Mark Twain Samuel Langhorne Clemens (November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910),[1] better known by his pen name Mark Twain, was an American author and humorist. He wrote The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and its sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885),[2] the latter often called "the Great American Novel." Twain grew up in Hannibal, Missouri, which provided the setting for Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer. After an apprenticeship with a printer, he worked as a typesetter and contributed articles to his older brother Orion's newspaper. He later became a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River before heading west to join Orion in Nevada. He referred humorously to his singular lack of success at mining, turning to journalism for the Virginia City Territorial Enterprise.[3] In 1865, his humorous story, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" was published, based on a story he heard at Angels Hotel in Angels Camp California where he had spent some time as a miner. The short story brought international attention, even being translated to classic Greek.[4] His wit and satire, in prose and in speech, earned praise from critics and peers, and he was a friend to presidents, artists, industrialists, and European royalty. Though Twain earned a great deal of money from his writings and lectures, he invested in ventures that lost a great deal of money, notably the Paige Compositor, which failed because of its complexity and...
Words: 1950 - Pages: 8
...Name: Instructor: Task: Date: Mark Twain: Adventures of Huckleberry Fin The Adventures of Huckleberry Fin is a creative piece of literature espousing the dynamics of life in a diverse community. In the play, Jim is facing hurdles in exercising his role as a father in a society where evil is predominant. In an attempt to behave a civilized manner, Jim has embraced religious principles in his practices. His actions contradict the practices of a significant majority of the characters who have chosen to engage in uncivilized acts. For instance, cases of robbery, discrimination and alcoholism are prevalent in Jim’s society. Jim’s faith and belief has made him to embrace hulk despite the differences in their characters. He is one of the few characters in the play who believes in engaging in righteous acts in the society. He is the most likable character in the play. I identify with him (Jim) because I exude similar traits in my behavior. Moreover, I respond to challenges in a civilized manner just like Jim. Unlike Huck who embraces evil, Jim is obedient and he chooses to confine himself to religion. I adore the trait because it makes the play interesting to read. Just like Jim, a few individuals in the society have embraced meritocratic practices; however, a significant number of the few believes in breaking rules in order to succeed in life. I face similar challenges in trying to convince my peers to desist from engaging in violent acts. Moreover, discrimination acts in the...
Words: 335 - Pages: 2
...never know how much enjoyment you have lost until you get to dictating your biography.” (McChesney) Mark Twain is a world renowned novelist and a beloved American writer. His writings are based on what was happening in the world around him. Although Mark Twain is a famous novelist, his home life, background, achievements, and greatest accomplishments are what made him who he is today. Mark Twain was more than the man we all know. Clemens life became the pillar of his writings, from slavery, the use of humor, and his use of cosmic hyperbole make him the most remembered and loved author of his time. Twain was born as “Samuel Langhorn Clemens on November 30, 1835. His birthplace was a two-room frame house in Florida Missouri to John and Jane Clemens.” ("The Official Web Site of Mark Twain") After reaching the age of eighteen Twain took on an occupation in Philadelphia as a journeyman printer. Twain was twenty-five when he moved back to Hannibal, Missouri to be a part of a militia, or the Marion Rangers, after traffic on the river was halted due to the Civil War. The root of all of Twain’s inspiration can be traced back to his home life. Due to the fact that Twain was ill as a child, his recollections of those instances (along with other memories of his childhood) would eventually find their way into his novel that is based on a mischievous boy named Tom Sawyer and other writings. Twain and his family moved to Hannibal, Missouri where he befriended slaves that belonged to his father...
Words: 299 - Pages: 2
...all history is written is merely fluid prejudice.” (Twain n. pag.). In Following the Equator, Mark Twain uses this quote which represents the time period in which he lived. Twain lived with this family owning slaves and with the debates on slavery and popular sovereignty, he lived through the Civil War, and he lived through manifest destiny. The debate on slavery during the 1800’s deeply influenced Twain personally and in his literary works. Consequently Mark Twain greatly influenced later writers by his creation of a unique American style. The 19th and 20th centuries were full of controversy surrounding slavery. In the American south most of the residents were in favor of the continuation of using African Americans...
Words: 999 - Pages: 4
...being a well-known author and impacting American literature no one else comes to mind more quickly than Mark Twain. He has influenced American literature immensely by just one of his books, which all American literature comes from. “What has changed in our own climate to make Twain look bigger? Partly, it's that the one very good book now seems so very good a book that it would be mean-spirited to ask for too much more books like it. Hemingway's assertion that all modern American literature comes from "Huck" seems even more nearly true now than when he said it, back in the nineteen-thirties.” This is explaining why Mark Twain is such a titan in American literature, he has paved the way of all modern American literature. Every book from...
Words: 682 - Pages: 3
...Mark Twain’s life. On Nov. 30, 1835, Samuel Langhorne Clemens, who is also known by Mark Twain, was born in the small town in Florida. He is the sixth child in his family. His parents are John Marshall and Jane Lampton Clemens. A few years after his birth, in 1839, he and his family moved 35 miles east to the town of Hannibal. Twain’s father was a judge, and he built a two-story frame house at 206 Hill Street in 1844. As a youngster, Twain was kept indoors because of his poor health. By age nine, he seemed to recover from his ailments and joined the rest of the town's children outside. He then attended a private school in Hannibal. When twain was 12, his father died of pneumonia, and at age 13, He needed to find a way to provide for his family. Twain left school to become a printer's apprentice. After a couple years, he joined his brother Orion's newspaper as a printer and editorial assistant. It was here that Twain found he enjoyed writing. At age 17, he left Hannibal behind for a printer's job in St. Louis. While in St. Louis, Then he became a river pilot's apprentice. He became a licensed river pilot in 1858. Mark Twain, comes from his days as a river pilot. It is a river term which means two fathoms or 12-feet when the depth of water for a boat is being sounded. "Mark twain" means that is safe to navigate. Because the river trade was brought to a standstill by the Civil War in 1861, Twain began working as a newspaper reporter for several newspapers...
Words: 453 - Pages: 2
...“Advice to Youth” By Mark Twain Being told I would be expected to talk here, I inquired what sort of talk I ought to make. They said it should be something suitable to youth--something didactic, instructive, or something in the nature of good advice. Very well. I have a few things in my mind which I have often longed to say for the instruction of the young; for it is in one’s tender early years that such things will best take root and be most enduring and most valuable. First, then. I will say to you my young friends--and I say it beseechingly, urgingly-- Always obey your parents, when they are present. This is the best policy in the long run, because if you don’t, they will make you. Most parents think they know better than you do, and you can generally make more by humoring that superstition than you can by acting on your own better judgment. Be respectful to your superiors, if you have any, also to strangers, and sometimes to others. If a person offend you, and you are in doubt as to whether it was intentional or not, do not resort to extreme measures; simply watch your chance and hit him with a brick. That will be sufficient. If you shall find that he had not intended any offense, come out frankly and confess yourself in the wrong when you struck him; acknowledge it like a man and say you didn’t mean to. Yes, always avoid violence; in this age of charity and kindliness, the time has gone by for such things. Leave dynamite to the low and unrefined. Go to bed early, get...
Words: 1790 - Pages: 8
...Mark Twain Samuel L. Clemens, commonly known as Mark Twain, is often referred to as the father of literature in America. He is the author of so many classics that are being read today in several high schools in America or most likely the world. Books like: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Prince and the Pauper and so many others, are still amusing to this day. Mark Twain is considered one of America’s greatest novelist and one of the world’s greatest writers of juvenile and comic literature. In all of his works he utilizes similar techniques, like, satiric irony, which are currently still being studied today. Mark Twain had a very weird and unique writing technique...
Words: 1091 - Pages: 5
...Can you say that you changed the way American literature was written? Mark Twain, also known as Samuel Langhorne Clemens, can. Mark Twain was a very successful author who wrote in the Romanticism Movement time period. Twain changed the way all American literature was written by writing with a very relaxed style that wasn’t very popular in the Realism Movement (1800’s to the 1900’s). The Innocents Abroad (1869), Roughing It (1872), a Life on the Mississippi (1883), Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876), and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885), were all works of Twain that made him very popular back in the days and still make him a very well-known American author. Twain was born on November 30th as Samuel Clemens to parents John Marshall and Jane...
Words: 845 - Pages: 4
