Mark Twain Biography, Literary Themes, and Dialect Use in 19th Century America

What is the real name of Mark Twain?

Samuel Clemens

In what year was Mark Twain born?

1835

What significant event did Twain witness in his childhood?

The deaths of his brother and sister from disease during a cholera epidemic.

What profession did Twain apprentice for in 1848?

A printer in the newspaper trade.

What was Twain's role in the steamboat industry?

He became an apprentice and later a captain.

What was Twain's stance during the Civil War?

He joined the pro-secessionists Marion Rangers but disbanded after two weeks, considering himself a deserter.

What was the title of Twain's first novel and its main theme?

The Gilded Age, a satirical critique on political and financial corruption.

What significant themes are explored in 'Huckleberry Finn'?

The legacy of chattel slavery prior to the Civil War.

What was Twain's relationship with Ulysses S. Grant?

He worked with Grant to publish his memoirs.

What shift occurred in Twain's writing style later in his life?

He became a moralist, writing critical essays on topics like antisemitism and imperialism.

What is the theme of 'Letters from the Earth'?

It depicts God as a bungling scientist.

What literary style is Twain known for?

Humorist and comic sketch artist.

What is the concept of 'Pessimistic Determinism' in Twain's context?

The belief that events are destined to turn out badly.

How did Twain portray dialects in his writing?

He used specific dialects from various identities, both white and black.

What is 'eye dialect'?

A writer's use of nonstandard spelling to reflect pronunciation.

What was the historical significance of the term 'Negro'?

It was used from the 15th century to describe people of African descent and was a standard term until it became outdated.

What is the controversy surrounding the use of the N-word in Twain's works?

It emphasizes racial hatred and division, creating discomfort in readers.

What is the significance of nostalgia in Twain's writing?

It reflects the time and place of his childhood, often seen in 'Huckleberry Finn'.

What does Twain's writing reveal about social judgment?

It contrasts reputations against the truth.

What moral ambiguity does Twain explore in his works?

He raises questions about race and social relativism without providing absolute answers.

What was Twain's attitude towards the steamboat industry during the Civil War?

He developed a hatred for it.

How did Twain's perspective change after personal losses?

He became more cynical and acerbic in his old age.

What is the theme of dualism in Twain's work?

It explores the confusion of identity.