The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” by Mark Twain

How did Mark Twain come up with the idea for the story?

He encountered a man (Simon Wheeler) at a Camp in California who told him about a story of Jim Smiley and his jumping frog.

 

What is the geographical setting of the story? Why is it significant?

It takes place in the mid-1800’s where people were looking for gold (gold rush). The era of fortune looking (gold mining and gambling).

What kind of person is Simon Wheeler? How does the narrator react to him?

Simon Wheeler is a talkative and friendly man who enjoys sharing tall tales. He is also always drunk when telling stories.The narrator initially finds him amusing but becomes increasingly frustrated with his long-winded storytelling.

How is this story an example of realism?

The story displays the realistic characteristics of men and their tendencies. For example, gambling and unfair play (cheating) exhibits greediness and selfish tendencies. The vernacular speech also demonstrates realistic language in that era.

What is the effect of the use of humor in the story?

The Humor makes fun at the men’s flaws and the situation.