Mark Twain

Who Was Mark Twain?

Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens, was an iconic American writer and humorist best known for his novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, both considered cornerstones of American literature. His career extended far beyond writing—he was also a riverboat pilot, journalist, lecturer, inventor, and entrepreneur.

Early Life

Twain was born Samuel Langhorne Clemens on November 30, 1835, in the small village of Florida, Missouri, the sixth of seven children. His family moved to Hannibal, Missouri, when he was four years old. Hannibal, a bustling river town on the Mississippi River, would later serve as the inspiration for many of Twain’s fictional settings. His father, John Clemens, was a lawyer, storekeeper, and land speculator who struggled financially. After John’s death in 1847, Twain’s family faced poverty, a hardship that deeply influenced Twain’s outlook on life.

Twain’s mother, Jane, was known for her warmth, storytelling, and sense of humor, qualities that would later resonate in Twain’s own writings.

Twain in Hannibal

Twain lived in Hannibal until the age of 17. Life in this vibrant town, where steamboats passed daily, shaped his imagination. Yet, alongside the town’s lively activities, Twain was exposed to its darker side, witnessing acts of violence and death from a young age. These experiences fueled the complexity of his later works, blending youthful adventure with a keen awareness of social injustices and cruelty.

At the age of 12, after his father’s death, Twain left school and began working to support his family. He took on various jobs, including as a printer’s apprentice and later as a writer and editor at his brother Orion’s newspaper.

Steamboat Pilot

At 21, Twain pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River, a career he loved for its excitement, status, and lucrative pay. By 1859, he was a licensed pilot, but his career was abruptly cut short by the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, which halted river traffic. Twain briefly served in a Confederate militia before seeking new opportunities out West.

Heading Out West

In 1861, Twain ventured west to Nevada and California, seeking fortune through silver and gold mining. When his mining efforts failed, Twain turned to journalism, working for the Virginia City Territorial Enterprise. It was during this period that he adopted the pen name “Mark Twain,” a riverboat term meaning two fathoms (12 feet) of water, a safe depth for navigation. Twain’s storytelling gained recognition, and his humorous and satirical style soon made him one of the most prominent writers in the West.

Rise to Fame

Twain’s big break came in 1865 with the publication of “Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog,” a humorous story that was widely circulated. His success continued with the 1869 publication of The Innocents Abroad, a travel book that humorously chronicled his Mediterranean journey. The book became a bestseller, establishing Twain as a literary force.

Marriage and Personal Life

In 1870, Twain married Olivia Langdon, the daughter of a wealthy New York coal merchant. Olivia, known for her genteel and moralistic values, had a significant influence on Twain. Despite his rough, Western background, Twain adapted to the refined circles of the East, although he often felt insecure about his origins. The couple had four children, but their family life was marked by tragedy, including the early deaths of their son and daughter, Susy.

Major Works

Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) was a success, and he soon began work on its more profound sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884). Often regarded as his masterpiece, Huckleberry Finn utilized colloquial speech to capture the voice of common folk, a revolutionary approach in American literature. The novel dealt with serious themes, including racism and the moral dilemmas of society.

Twain continued to write prolifically, with notable works including The Prince and the Pauper (1881), Life on the Mississippi (1883), and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court (1889). However, despite his literary success, Twain struggled financially, particularly after his publishing company went bankrupt.

Later Years and Legacy

Twain’s later years were marred by personal and financial losses. The deaths of his wife and children took a toll on him, and his growing pessimism began to seep into his writings. Despite this, he remained a beloved public figure, receiving honors from institutions like Oxford and Yale. Twain continued to write and lecture until his death in 1910, leaving behind a legacy as one of America’s greatest and most influential authors. His wit, humor, and keen social commentary continue to resonate with readers today.

Death

Mark Twain passed away on April 21, 1910, at the age of 74. He was laid to rest in Elmira, New York.

Today, his former residence, the Mark Twain House in Hartford, Connecticut, stands as a popular public attraction and has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

Twain is celebrated as one of the most insightful chroniclers of American life in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Through his iconic works, including the adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, Twain vividly captured the essence of the American spirit, blending humor, keen observation, and a deep search for truth.