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Mark Twain

Mark Twain. Kat Caitlin Dakota. Intro to Twain. Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens Born in 1835 in Florida, MO, died 1910 Tragic early life (first 30 years). This was the basis of many of his stories. Good at lecturing, had ‘perfect timing’. Honored by the queen

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Mark Twain

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  1. Mark Twain Kat Caitlin Dakota

  2. Intro to Twain • Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens • Born in 1835 in Florida, MO, died 1910 • Tragic early life (first 30 years). This was the basis of many of his stories. • Good at lecturing, had ‘perfect timing’. • Honored by the queen • At age 21, became apprentice on a steam boat, and changed his name to Mark Twain

  3. Twain spent two weeks in a militia training unit in Missouri, where he learned nothing about fighting, but a lot about retreating.

  4. The Beginnings of Writing • After leaving the militia unit, he began writing, using Mark Twain as his pen name. • Early writings established his vernacular style. • Incorporated humor into his writing, which although prevalent today, was new in his time.

  5. Vernacular • Uses different styles of wording to develop character profiles. • When introducing characters, he speaks in his own, dignified tone, but when the main character speaks, it’s nothing like Twain’s voice.

  6. Examples! From the Frog • In compliance with the request of a friend of mine, who wrote me from the east, I called on good natured, garrolus Simon Wheeler…… (Twain’s voice) • But anyway,he was the curiousest man about always betting on anything…(Thish-yer) (Characterization)

  7. Mo’ Examples From the Blue Jay • Animals talk to each other of course. There can be no question about that; but I suppose there are very few people who can understand it. • You may say a cat uses good grammar…but you let a cat get excited once…and you’ll hear grammar that will give you the lockjaw.

  8. Contributions • Local color • Humor (funny and to highlight flaws of humanity) • Use of vernacular….w/local color • Spirit of national youth

  9. Historical Significance of Writings(kind of relates to themes) • Wrote on local color, in the voice of the locals in the settings of his stories • Emphasized an adventurous childhood (Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer) • Changed society’s idea of humor. • Writings were influenced by past experiences (i.e. slavery)

  10. Stuff to Know (just so you know) These are the things that have occurred several times in this powerpoint: • Local Color • Humor • Vernacular Know them, for they are your very best friends for our section of the test.

  11. The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County (Lit Analysis) • The use of vernacular, or specific word choice, makes this story unique. • Characterizes the main character • Was the narrator tricked by his friend?

  12. Baker’s Bluejay Yarn (Lit. Analysis) • More use of vernacular • The animals represent different types of people. Cats are the ones with anger management problems, jays are stubborn, and flock in large groups. • Was the narrator insane? Or simply lonely?

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