The Works of Mark Twain
Huckleberry Finn is the misleadingly uncomplicated story of a boy in his quest for adventure. His bravery and curiosity has caught the fancy of Americans and declared him to epitomize every other American boy in the nation. Yet, in the heart of the story is the boys relationship with Jim, a Negro. Jim has been running away from his master, intending to free his family to live in a free state when he met Huck and the two struck an unlikely friendship. Despite Jim and Hucks obvious differences and what societys implication on Negros, the former was shown to be an individual with more morals, courage and bravery than the rest of the townspeople. Huck and Jims adventures together have been grand until Tom Sawyer got in the scene.
Tom Sawyer was depicted to be the villain by critics. He is a bad boy, to sum up the critics rile (Scott). To quote from the text
Then what on earth did YOU want to set him free for, seeing he was already free (Twain, 182)
Well, that IS a question, I must say and just like women Why, I wanted the ADVENTURE of it and Id awaded neck-deep in blood to-- goodness alive, AUNT POLLY (Twain, 182)
Tom Sawyer knew all along that Jim was a free man yet he never bothered to enlighten either Huck or Jim about this situation. What he had done was selfishly indulge himself in an adventure, endangering both Jim and Hucks lives in the process. While he set himself out to have fun, his treatment of Jim also leaves so much to be desired.
Despite Tom Sawyers actions, it would not be right to read only the part of Huckleberry Finn where Tom has not yet entered the text. This is like spitting on Americas arguably most criticized novel. It would be unfair for Mark Twain if readers would humor Ernest Hemingways words because Tom Sawyer, though he provided a sort of evasion for Mark Twain to explore even deeper the intricacies of the subjects of race, friendship and courage, still gave Jim a two dimensional character. As Scott has noted, as the critics grew ugly on Tom, the more they praised Jim.
In My First Lie and How I Got Out of It, Twain coined the concept of the Lie of Silent Assertion. What lies of silent assertion can one find in his work How does the concept function Give examples from three different works by Twain.
The lie of silent assertion is an act that intelligible humans know as wrong yet they do nothing to prevent it and silently go along the wrongful act. In Huck Finn, in Chapter XLII, Jim was chained and imprisoned in front of the townspeople all because he was thought of as an escaped slaved. People were continuously cursing at Jim and even physically hurting him. When the doctor gave the testimony to Jims character, the people were appeased somewhat and promised not to curse at him anymore. Huck witnessed all of this and thought to himself that the doctors testimony of Jims character is consistent to how he knows it.
Then they come out and locked him up. I hoped they was going to say he could have one or two of the chains took off, because they was rotten heavy, or could have meat and greens with his bread and water but they didnt think of it, and I reckoned it warnt best for me to mix in, (Twain, 180). Huck did not even mix in and attest to Jims character even if he knew that Jim need not suffer through the heavy chains or that Jim deserved better food.
In Puddnhead Wilson, Roxy was very much aware of Toms maltreatment of Chambers yet Roxy has not done anything to even protect her supposed son from the abuse of her real son. Roxy protected Tom from the harsher realities of life while at same time condemning Chambers to poverty and slavery when she did the switch. Yet, years after, knowing the maltreatment and knowing the irony of it all, she was not even compelled to even defend Chambers at the hands of Tom.
In Tom Sawyer, Tom claimed Becky Thatchers punishment. Becky allowed Tom to take her punishment and then wallowed in guilt afterwards. This certainly is not the right thing to do yet she remained silent of the situation.
Jocelyn Chadwick argued that the turning point in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is when Huck humbles himself to Jim after Jim calls him trash. Elaborate why this scene could be a turning point in the relationship between Huck and Jim, and explain why you agree or disagree with her interpretation.
As the old adage says, absence makes the heart grow fonder. When Huck managed to escape drowning, and then find Jim sleeping in the travel-weary raft, he woke Jim up immediately and then proceeded with his tale. Huck pretended that he never left the boat and almost single handedly convince Jim of it. But Jim brought Huck back to his knees, using emotional karma as his weapon, to wit
What do dey stan for Ise gwyne to tell you. When I got all wore out wid work, en wid de callin for you, en went to sleep, my heart wuz mos broke bekase you wuz los, en I didn kyer no mo what become er me en de raf. En when I wake up en fine you back agin, all safe en soun, de tears come, en I could a got down on my knees en kiss yo foot, Is so thankful....(Twain, 56).
Huck was instantly humbled by Jims words. Never mind that he is white, never mind that he is the one with 6,000 plus accumulated interests in the bank, never mind that Jim is a Negro fleeing his master. All society would not condemn Huck for taking offense and trying to kill Jim straight away. At the time, Negros lives were certainly taken away with less reason yet Huck was deeply touched by Jims tirade and instead of being angry for being called trash (do always put in mind that Huck is mere an uncivilized young boy prone to the whims of his age), Huck apologized to Jim.
It was fifteen minutes before I could work myself up to go and humble myself to a nigger but I done it, and I warnt ever sorry for it afterwards, neither....(Twain 56).
The comradeship Huck had with Jim is clearly thicker than any racial interactions the society has imposed at the time. In my personal assessment, I agree with Jocelyn Chadwick that this is the turning point in the novel. In this scene, racial class was forgotten and the theme of the novel has been apparent. Race should not have anything to do with genuine friendship. Huck humbling himself to a nigger is not something to be ashamed of or anything that can cause remorse. It is an act of personality, acknowledging when one has been wrong and having the courage and bravery to make amends for it.
What is A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court saying about technology What is it saying about a new deal, about progress
In this book, Mark Twain probably had the time of his life ridiculing romanticism and what better age to do that than in 6th Century Britain, in fictional Arthurs court Mark Twain herein used what the 18th Century America had that Britain did not at the time technology in the midst of the industrial revolution. In the book, Mark Twain depicted Merlin a fool. No matter how acclaimed the sorcerer was at this time, his incantations and spells have no chance repairing a leaking well compared with plain and simple repair.
Indeed, science and progress can alter history. Guns and explosive were introduced to the wary King Arthur and his court. It is very convenient that the Yankee has had prior expertise in handling weapons because he certainly needed it to save his life in Arthurs court, nothing can impress better than the ability to kill hundreds at a time anyway. With his knowledge, the Yankee made himself equal the King and the Pope in rank. He managed to make Merlin, the greatest sorcerer of all time (fictional or not) a laughing stock. Technology can easily abolish the monarchy in England. Technology can change the course of the world by making an American the esteemed leader of England.
Progress can motivate the people to revolt. The Yankee has certainly shown the people the benefits of Gross Domestic Product as well as improvements in medication that can cure small pox. Added to all these are the lures of revolvers that can easily kill 9 esteemed, handsome, brave knights of the King.
In this book, Mark Twain has shown that with technology, progress can easily be achieved. Technology and progress should work hand in hand in order for any country or kingdom to succeed and the people can live better lives.
How is the Old World (Europe and the Middle East) depicted in Innocents Abroad How are Americans regarded in relation to the Old World Give at least three examples.
Innocents Abroad is a work of nonfiction which was written when Mark Twain and a group of middle high class Americans voyaged to Europe and the Middle East on the USS Quaker City in 1867. Mark Twain was honest and humorous in his depictions of the old world and no city is quite the same in terms of attractions yet, to them travelers it feels almost as such. It is surprising how the old world still feels like the current world. There is a barrage of street vendors, beggars, tour guides, thieves and all sorts of tourist traps in every city. Twain was torn on Europe, finding some cities more interesting than others like France. Italy he despised because of the grandiose churches that were paid at the expense of the suffering people. Muslims, Twain just plainly despised. In the Middle East, Mark Twain wondered how Jesus Christ could have come from a land where children continuously suffer. The Holy land is not quite as pretty as depicted in books at the time he concluded that the authors were probably just saying the Middle East is pretty to sell their books.
Americans in the old world were regarded as how every other tourist was treated. They are innocent to the culture of the land they are visiting. The title of Mark Twains book is an appropriate description. For instance, in France, a shopkeeper managed to sell them a piece of clothing that was ugly. Americans, in the old world, like every other tourist hang on every word of the guide and assumes it to be true. They made mistakes that those whom have had prior traveling experiences would not even attempt such riding a donkey all day long. Innocent is an apt description, indeed. In fact they were so nave that they escaped the Quaker just to see the Parthenon in the moonlight.
Lastly, the episode with the Tsar just showed how esteemed a country America has become. Twain and the others were granted an audience with the Tsar just because they were Americans and they carry the privilege of their citizenship.
How does the naturenurture debate function in The Tragedy of Puddnhead Wilson Give at least three examples.
Nature vs. Nurture. Genes vs. upbringing. This is the central theme in The Tragedy of Puddnhead Wilson. Roxy, 116 black woman, a slave to the older Driscoll bore a son at the same time as the mistress of the house did. Two babes were born in the household Tom (the master) and Chambers (the slave who is only 132 black). Fearing for her life and her sons life, Roxy had to switch the babies while only 8 months old so that her child Chambers (hereinafter becomes Tom) will be entitled to the privileged life of the upper class white people, while doing this, she has condemned the real Tom (hereinafter called Chambers) to the life of a black slave. No body could mistake the two as Roxys kid looks white in appearance and the master of the house do not really look at his own son. The switch becomes the root of all evil in the novel. The switch started the debate on what influences a person to become what he is, his birth right or how he grew up
First example is that Tom, being Roxys son is the Negro. He is the one with the bad attitude, treating others like dirt, no respect for his own adoptive parents, gambling, drinking, and every other ugly vice a person can have. This can mean that Twain is saying that a Negro, by birth is bad man. While in contrast, Chambers, the white man by birth is the opposite of Tom, being respectful and polite to others. Twain might be saying that white people are the good guys and the ones to be trusted.
Second example is Tom could have turned out to be spoiled rotten because he was raised in luxury, in privilege and was more prone to do anything he wanted without regard for how others may think because he has money and he has the power to do what he wants. In any society, money can do anything. While in contrast, Chambers grew to a life of servitude, despite being born rich, he has been trained to be humble and make do with is available.
Third, the ending showcased Chambers (now Tom again) in good clothing and accessories, surrounded by luxury yet he still talks and acts like a slave. This is showing that a person raised to be something else cannot be changed no matter how swathed in riches he consequently becomes.
Discuss the role of lies, fantasies, and dreams in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Use at least three examples.
Lies, fantasies and dreams are all part of the titular character. Tom is a boy always running into trouble, which is part of his charm. This charm is how he captured the imagination of the reading public. Early in the novel, Tom has got himself into trouble and he was punished by painting the picket fence. To get himself out of trouble, he tricked his friends into doing the job for him, pretending that painting a fence is a very enjoyable task, in exchange for different favors. Making spur of the moment lies showcases Toms cleverness, endearing his character more to the reader.
Fantasy is another aspect of Tom Sawyers character. Both him and Huck fantasized to become a pirate, to twelve-year-old minds, being a pirate, sailing through the Mississippi River is a grand adventure that simply must be fulfilled. Because of this quest to fulfill such childish fantasies, Tom, Huck and Joe Harper ran away to an isolated island to try being pirates first hand. Adventure is a central theme of this novel and this adventure shall not happen without some fantasizing in the process. Of course, the fantasy of becoming a pirate cannot happen as the boys are minors and under the responsibilities of an adult. The boys decided to come back home, making a dramatic entrance in their funeral.
Dreaming is part of everyones lives but in the novel dreams are Tom Sawyers motivation. He dreamt of making Becky Thatcher his wife and because of this dream, the normally apathetic Tom Sawyer suffered the punishment that was rightfully Beckys.
Lies, fantasy and dreams in the novel were testaments to Tom Sawyers illustrious character.
But irony was not for those people, their mental vision was not focused for it. Compare Twains presentation of irony in The Tragedy of Puddnhead Wilson and To the Person Sitting in Darkness.
Irony in The Tragedy of Puddnhead Wilson is inquisitive. It proposes great what if questions. What would have happened had the switch not happened Could Tom (really Chambers) grow up to be a better a man Could he be exactly like how Chambers (really Tom) turned out to be Could birth have anything to do with Toms attitudes He is a negro after all. Consequently, the same can be enquired of Chambers. Could Chambers have grown up like Tom had he the power and privilege Could wealth turn him into the gambling drunkard that Tom was Could he have retained his good attitudes had he grown up swathed in riches The book posed a lot of questions regarding nature and nurture without really providing any potent answers. The reader is free to ponder on the effects of how birth right and upbringing can make a man.
To the Person Sitting in Darkness is ironically antagonistic. The work showcases Mark Twains disdain for imperialism that America and its European counterparts are doing across Africa and Asia. The title itself is an irony. The person sitting in darkness refers to the countries in Africa and Asia that the Westerners felt to colonize just to provide them with civilization as they are considered savages of the East. It is ironic how the imperialists hide their agendas behind the church, genuine concern and good will. The foreigners claim to be friends of the Eastern nations, bringing to them the gift of progress, technology, and religion while actually just wanting to abuse the resources found only in that eastern region. Lastly, Twain criticized the damage (property and to life) caused by religious missions and outreach for civilization have done to the supposedly beneficiary country. The warfare is so ironic if the whole purpose of the invasion is God Himself.
Consider the following works--Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer, Puddnhead Wilson, The Good Little Boy The Bad Little Boy as parenting manuals. What advice does Twain give and how does he give it Who raises the children inthese stories and what makes the children good according to Twain Discuss at least two of the given texts.
Mark Twain has shown the nature vs. nurture debate in his works but he is leaning more on the nurture aspect. Children, according to Twain, are good or bad, depending on how they are raised. For instance, Huck Finn is the son of a drunkard. He is a boy who does not go to the church or to school. Indeed, just by talking to him, Tom Sawyer can get whipped and punished. Huck does not disappoint society. He refuses to be civilized and he seems to take joy in taunting the good towns people. But Huck Finn has a redeeming factor, and that is his good morals that he somehow acquired along the way. Huck is not the type to steal from people, fight with other boys, despite the conditions of his lifestyle and the general poverty he has grown up in. To think that his own father would willingly kidnap him to gain access to his recent wealth can only speak of how Huck has managed to shrug off his birth, being fathered by such a lousy human being. Having grown up in civilized, God-fearing surroundings probably taught him the life virtues he needed to learn.
Another shining example of nurture is Puddnhead Wilson. The whole text is all about the nature vs. nurture debate yet the conclusion of the novel is clearly leaning on the nurture aspect. Chambers, then finally recognized as Tom, was born a privileged white American. By birth right, he is a master. Because of the switch done by Roxy, Chambers was condemned to a life of servitude. Despite having white skin, he grew up as a slave black male, learning the speech, actions and attitudes of a servant. He grew to be a humble, respectful fellow but he retained in his mannerisms the traces of slavery. After the reckoning, Chambers, clothed in wealth, still acts as the old Chambers. It was his birth right to be rich and wealthy yet despite how powdered and cultured he might appear, his upbringing as a servant still shows.
Now that youve read a major cross-section of Mark Twains work, how do you regard his writing, his role as an icon and his position as an iconoclast In what ways has your response to Twains work changed What are his strengths and weaknesses as a writer
Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, Mark Twain, is a recognized emblem of American literature. Personally, I have read Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer before, long before I took this course and back then, I did not appreciate the slang used. At the time, I could barely understand the conversations in the novel given the language but now I realized that the dialogues wherein Mark Twains characters come alive are a gift to American historical literature. Mark Twain has a very descriptive and realistic approach to story telling. When I was younger, because I could not understand the slang in the dialogs, I could barely see the humor. Humor is Mark Twains most celebrated strength as a writer. His wise cracks can easily pull a reader from the deepest recesses of boredom and back to eagerness in reading whatever title it is. By writing about racism in post-civil war America, Mark Twain has advocated black peoples rights. His books, though not popular at the time they were published has suddenly gotten acclaim after his death. The compassion, bravery and courage of Huck Finn, his most celebrated character, captured the imaginations of young Americans and thanks to this work, Mark Twain has become an icon. I am all for making him an icon, given his contribution to literature.
On the other hand, Mark Twain was also an iconoclast thanks to his brutal honesty. He states what he sees, despite how others may react to it. He stands to what he believes in. He can be quite a critic and this was probably why his works have not made money during the time he was alive. No doubt his brutal honesty had made him a lot of enemies during the time he was alive. His honesty may also be one of his weaknesses as a writer, especially in his non-fiction works. Innocents Abroad can easily be viewed by many as exceedingly arrogant given how Americans disrespects foreigners while in a foreign land.
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court Alternative ending
This story picks up from when Merlin tried to cast a spell upon the Yankee, proclaiming him to sleep for 1300 years. Merlin is old and he had not realized that he memorized the wrong words of the incantation required to put the Yankee to sleep. Instead, the Yankee has healed from his injuries. Merlin was appalled and in his disgust with how events turned out, he commits suicide.
The Yankee then sought out to find his men, but he was already too late. His men have died from disease and contamination. Though the Yankee was saddened as he has grown close with the men, he must move on. The battle must continue. The monarchy must be abolished. He then found new men and trained them in handling the 19th Century weapons. They lay siege on the castle and given that they have the advantage of knowledge and technology, the Yankee easily became the next King. As he does not want this distinction, the Yankee retained his title as boss and since then every ruler of England has been called the boss.
The Yankee then ruled over England, further enhancing its weaponry and economy by his 19th century American ways. People have understood the concept of telephone and they were successful in procuring a make-shift one. Indeed, under the Yankees rule England has become the most feared nation in the planet.
However, what comes up must go down. The Yankee was tricked by a serving maid into sleeping with her. This serving maid, turned out to be Morgan le Fey, Arthurs sister. During their intercourse, Morgan le Fey used Arthurs infamous sword to kill off the Yankee. When the Yankee was gone, the people were left clueless as to what to do but still they managed to utilize what was currently available to them. Guns remained a trademark of England for the rest of history to see.
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