Mark Twain and Frederick Douglass: American Literature and Social Justice

What is Mark Twain's real name?

Samuel Clemens

In what year was Mark Twain born?

1835

Where did Mark Twain grow up?

Hannibal, Missouri

What significant event did Twain witness during his childhood?

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

What profession did Twain take up at age 14?

Apprentice for a printer, working in the newspaper trade.

What was Twain's first attempt at a novel?

The Gilded Age

Which two famous novels did Twain write that addressed themes of slavery?

Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn

What was Twain's role during the Civil War?

He joined the pro-secessionist Marion Rangers but disbanded after two weeks.

What type of writing is Twain known for?

Humorous stories and polemical essays.

What did Twain's later works often critique?

Antisemitism, imperialism, and social injustices.

What was the theme of Twain's 'Letters from the Earth'?

It depicted God as a flawed creator and critiqued human suffering and hypocrisy.

What literary technique did Twain use to portray dialogue?

Dialect, reflecting the speech patterns of different social groups.

What does the term 'eye dialect' refer to?

Deliberate nonstandard spelling used to reflect informal or low-status language.

What themes are explored in Twain's works?

Dualism, moral despair, social judgment, and the irony of the human condition.

What does Twain's writing often question?

What it means to be civilized and the nature vs. nurture debate.

How did Twain's view of humor evolve over time?

He shifted from a humorist to a moralist, losing much of the humor in his later works.

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

He worked with Grant to publish his memoirs.

What impact did Twain's personal losses have on his writing?

He became more cynical and critical in his later years.

What does Twain's work often reflect about society?

A commentary on societal norms and injustices.

What was Twain's stance on the Civil War?

His sympathies were vague, with family ties to both sides.

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

It reflects the authenticity of characters and their backgrounds.

What did James Weldon Johnson say about dialect in literature?

He noted that colored poets could write dialect without it being seen as humorous or pathetic.

What was Twain's perspective on his literary career?

He felt he had a 'call' to literature of a low order, primarily humorous.

What was Twain's view on the nature of humanity?

He often depicted humanity as flawed and struggling with moral complexities.

What does the character Joe Starks represent in the context of the narrative?

Joe Starks represents the oppressive forces and societal norms that belittle others.

What is the significance of dialect in literature, as discussed in the notes?

Dialect can convey authenticity and cultural identity but may also imply condescension or superiority.

How does Mark Twain's use of dialect in 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' contribute to its themes?

It highlights social class issues and provides social commentary on prejudice and discrimination.

What is the historical context of the N-word in literature?

It was used to emphasize racial hatred and division, and its historical usage reflects societal attitudes towards African Americans.

What should be done when reading the N-word aloud?

Replace it with 'slave' or 'black' in certain contexts to avoid offense.

What does the term 'social relativism' imply in moral discussions?

It suggests that moral values are not absolute but are shaped by social contexts.

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

It creates a joyful yet morally complex portrayal of the past, reflecting Twain's childhood experiences.

What does Langston Hughes argue about Mark Twain's portrayal of Negroes?

Hughes states that Twain presents them as human beings, contrasting with other writers of his time who depicted them as ignorant or comic.

What is the role of ambiguity in Twain's narratives?

Ambiguity raises deep questions about race without providing clear answers, reflecting societal complexities.

How does Twain's treatment of society in his critiques come across?

His critiques are friendly, often lacking severe consequences for the perpetrators of societal issues.

What is the effect of using slurs in historical literature?

It creates discomfort and emphasizes the realism of racial tensions and historical oppression.

What is the importance of critical reading according to the notes?

Critical reading allows for questioning the author's perspective and recognizing their fallibility.

What does the term 'realism' refer to in the context of African American literature?

Realism in this context refers to the accurate portrayal of the African American experience, including oppression and societal challenges.

What is the significance of the phrase 'waged a relentless battle against prejudice and discrimination'?

It highlights the ongoing struggle for equality and justice faced by marginalized groups.

What does the phrase 'deep, detached irony' suggest about Twain's writing style?

It indicates a complex narrative style that critiques society while maintaining a certain emotional distance.

Why is it important to understand the historical usage of terms like 'Negro'?

Understanding historical usage provides insight into societal changes and the evolution of racial identity.

What does the phrase 'moral sense is not absolute' imply?

It suggests that moral judgments are influenced by cultural and social factors rather than being universally applicable.

What does the term 'social commentary' mean in literature?

Social commentary refers to the use of literary works to critique and reflect on societal issues and norms.

What role does nostalgia play in Twain's storytelling?

Nostalgia serves to evoke a sense of longing for the past while also critiquing its moral complexities.

How does Twain's portrayal of characters differ from other Southern writers?

Twain presents characters as complex individuals rather than stereotypes, challenging prevailing narratives of his time.

What is the significance of the phrase 'intended to make readers laugh aloud' in Twain's work?

It reflects Twain's use of humor as a tool for social critique, making serious topics more accessible.

What does the phrase 'creates a feeling of discomfort' refer to in the context of reading literature?

It refers to the emotional response elicited by confronting harsh realities and societal injustices in texts.

What is the impact of using historical context in literary analysis?

It enriches understanding of the text by situating it within the societal and cultural dynamics of its time.

What does the term 'render in dialect' imply about the author's approach?

It suggests an attempt to authentically capture the voices and experiences of characters from specific cultural backgrounds.

What does the phrase 'social acquisition' mean in the context of moral understanding?

It indicates that moral values and beliefs are learned and shaped by societal influences rather than innate.

What is the second planet from the Sun?

Venus

Which planet is the closest to the Sun?

Mercury

What is Mars often described as, despite its color?

A very cold place

Which planet is the biggest in the Solar System?

Jupiter

What type of planet is Saturn?

A gas giant with several rings

What is the diameter of Mercury in relation to Earth?

0.06 Earths

What is the surface gravity of Mars in relation to Earth?

0.53 Earths

What is the mass of Saturn in relation to Earth?

1.16 Earths

What is a notable feature of Jupiter?

It has around eighty moons

What is unique about Neptune?

It is the farthest planet from the Sun and an ice giant

What gives Mars its reddish color?

Iron oxide dust

What are the main components of Saturn?

Mostly hydrogen and helium

What is the third planet from the Sun?

Earth

What is Venus known for besides its beautiful name?

Extremely high temperatures

What is the primary difference between an annotated bibliography and a literature review?

An annotated bibliography lists sources with summaries, while a literature review synthesizes research on a topic.

What are the steps in the literature review cycle?

Planning, Searching, Drafting, Execution, and Sum up.

What is a systematic literature review?

A structured approach to reviewing literature based on predefined criteria.

What is the primary focus of a theoretical literature review?

To explore and analyze theories related to a specific topic.

What is the purpose of the introduction in a literature review?

To present the research problem and the significance of the review.

What is the conclusion in a literature review meant to summarize?

The main findings and implications of the reviewed literature.

What type of literature review focuses on integrating various studies?

Integrative literature review

What is a narrative literature review?

A review that tells a story about the research topic without a systematic approach.

What does the term 'competitors' refer to in the context of literature review?

Other studies or research that address similar topics or questions.

What is the significance of safety data in research?

To ensure that findings do not pose risks to participants or the environment.

What is the role of findings in a literature review?

To present the results and insights gained from the reviewed literature.

What are slave narratives?

Biographical accounts of the lives of enslaved people and how they gained freedom, often through escape.

Who wrote 'The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass'?

Frederick Douglass.

What is the significance of slave narratives in the context of abolitionism?

They are an important part of the Abolitionist Movement, providing firsthand accounts of slavery.

What was Douglass's strategy in addressing pro-slavery arguments?

He countered pro-slavery claims by highlighting the moral contradictions and evidence of his own humanity.

What was Douglass's background?

He was born into slavery in 1818, the son of an enslaved mother and a white father, likely his master.

How did Douglass learn to read and write?

He taught himself using borrowed materials and by interacting with white boys in his neighborhood.

What does Douglass argue about the nature of slavery?

He argues that it is a broken system that will eventually destroy itself and questions the morality of slaveholders.

What is the title of Harriet Jacobs's slave narrative?

Incidents in the Life of a Slave, Written by Herself.

What rhetorical question does Douglass pose about the nature of civilization?

He questions how civilized a society can be if its members commit murder in front of children.

What does Douglass say about the Bible's stance on slavery?

He challenges the notion that the Bible supports slavery, arguing that religious people can also be evil.

What is the significance of Douglass's biracial identity?

He highlights the complexities of being biracial and enslaved, particularly in relation to the legacy of slavery.

What does Douglass mean by 'good' masters?

He suggests that the kindness of a master is relative and often measured by the standards of other slaveholders.

What is the main purpose of Douglass's speech 'What to the Slave is the Fourth of July'?

To challenge the hypocrisy of American freedom while slavery exists.

What year did Douglass escape from slavery?

1838.

What was Douglass's role in the abolitionist movement?

He became a renowned abolitionist writer and speaker, advocating for the end of slavery.

What does Douglass's narrative reveal about the experience of enslaved people?

It provides a personal and powerful account of the struggles and resilience of enslaved individuals.

What was Douglass's relationship with his enslaved mother?

He was separated from her early in life and never knew her well.

How did Douglass's experiences shape his views on education?

He believed education was a key to freedom and empowerment for enslaved people.

What does Douglass argue about the economic necessity of slavery?

He contends that slavery is not necessary for the economy and that it ultimately harms society.

What literary technique is commonly found in Douglass's narratives?

Use of rhetorical questions and vivid imagery to convey the horrors of slavery.

What impact did Douglass's writings have on the abolitionist movement?

They inspired many to join the fight against slavery and raised awareness of its brutal realities.

What was the role of white abolitionists in slave narratives?

They often introduced slave narratives with letters or prefaces to lend credibility and support.

What does Douglass's life story exemplify?

The journey from slavery to freedom and the power of self-education.

What year was 'The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass' published?

1845.

What is the farthest planet from the Sun?

Neptune

Which planet is closest to the Sun?

Mercury