Mark Twain Essay -- essays research papers

key Twain It is indisputable that, during his many years of writing, Mark Twain established himself as a literary genius. It is also indisputable that the primary reason for his success as an author was his quick wit and sense of humor. During this nations time of political and social division, Twain wrote about many of the simpler things in life while always showing his humorist side. His brilliant comedic mind was especially unusual for any universal writer around during this rough time period in the nations history. Mark Twains humorist views and writings truly change integrity him as the forefather of American humor. Unlike many writers of his time, Samuel Clemens, better known as his pen name, Mark Twain never secluded himself or slaved everyplace a piece of work. He enjoyed playing billiards or sitting on his porch, smoking a pipe. He lived with his wife and three daughters, and did most of writing in his billiards room or on his bed. He lived a simple, casual life, which proved to encourage his laidback, humorist attitude. (Whipple, Sally) William Dean Howells once compared Twains lifestyle to the some other famous writers of his time. Emerson, Longfellow, Lowell, Holmes they were like one a nonher and like other literary men but Clemens was sole, incomparable. (Twainweb) This being perhaps the best explanation for Twains unique humorist views, it is no doubt this lifestyle provided for his creative storytelling and successful career as an author. Mark Twain, a native of Missouri who lived most his puerility in poverty, began his career, surprisingly, as a steamboat pilot. This career path was soon to be interrupted by the Civil War, in which he served for the attendant Army for two weeks before withdrawing. Already at this point in his life, Twain was showing his humorist side when he commented on this incident saying, it was my retirement from it that brought the crash. It left the Confederate side too weak. (Ayers, 42) After the Civil War, Tw ain began his career as a journalist. He bounced from one city to another, including a stay at Virginia City, Nevada and San Francisco. plot of ground in San Francisco, Twain wrote The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras looky, his first nationally acclaimed work. This tale of young boys and frog races combined the themes of youth and humor, a combination he would revisit frequently. (Budd, 32) Finally, in 1869, Twains f... ...k Twain in His Times) Jones 6 Unfortunately, this was Twains last popular, humorous story. He would leave Hartford receivable to debts he owed and live a hard life for the rest of his years. Before he died, Twain would see two of three daughters and his wife pass out before him. He spent the rest of his days trying to repay his dept and mourning over his lost family members, whom he was very close too. He died on April 21, 1910 in Redding, Conn. During his lifetime, Mark Twain went from a child of poverty to one of the most famous and unique writers of h is time to a legendary American hero. collect to classics such as Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, he has established himself as not only a famous writer but also a famous comedian. There was no comedy before Mark Twain, most men were obsessed with politics and the military. After Twain, comedy exploded. Charlie Chaplin is one man who is not only a famous comedic pioneer, but also a supporter of Twain. His career shows the influence of Mark Twain in many areas, often including his characters. Mark Twains stories truly solidify him as a legendary author, yet his humor was the unique quality which put him above the rest. Word Count 1536