A Great American Author

“Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” -

Twain

Mark Twain

Born on August 11, 1835 in Florida, Missouri.His full name is Samuel Langhorne ClemensHe was the 6th of 7 children, only 3 survived

childhood.Moved to Hannibal, Missouri at the age of 4.Hannibal would be the town that becomes St.

Petersburg in many of his novels.

Early Life

His father died of pneumonia at age 11.At age 12 he quit school to begin working as a

printer for a newspaper.At 21, he decided to pursue a career as a

riverboat pilot.It took him two years of study to earn his pilot

license.He then persuaded his brother, Henry to work on

a boat. The boat exploded and Henry was killed. This did not steer him away from working on the

River Boat.

Adolescent Years

During the Civil War the traffic on the Mississippi closed.

Twain then went West to Nevada.He was a travel companion to the Governor of

Nevada and was able to see much of the West.

He then became a gold minor in San Francisco.

Adolescent Years Continued

1865: “The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.”

A tall taleInstant international celebrity

Known as great humorist

Literary Works

1869: The Innocents AbroadSuccessful book

HumorTravel and Adventure

1872: Roughing ItUse of mining experiences

Travel and Adventure

Literary Works Continued

1876: After 11 years of wonderful success he published Tom Sawyer.

He based this work heavily on his childhood.Also blended characteristics of him and his

two best friends.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

1883Build upon his own life experiences living

along the Mississippi.American Expansion

Life on the Mississippi

1884Originally titled Huckleberry Finn’s

AutobiographyConsidered his “Masterpiece”Inspired by one of his best friends Tom

BlankeshipControversialAn offshoot of Tom Sawyer, Twain uses vivid

imagery,and children being in the middle of adult situationsHis writing and method of story telling was

way ahead of its time.

The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn

Huck Finn is one of the first novels to use social commentary by the characters to show hypocrisy of American society.

Government issues are addressed along with alcoholism, abuse, and violence.

The biggest conflicting societal value was slavery

Controversial Issues

Huck Finn has been read in classrooms for many years.

However, the use of the word “Nigger” many school districts and librarians have made it the most banned book in history.

Critics state, “defames African Americans by not only the use of the word, but how Jim is portrayed” -which is as an uneducated slave.

However, this was the common term used for African-Americans in Missouri at that time.

Captured the authenticity of that particular time and that particular place (Local Color)

Controversy and more Controversy

Twain was against slavery (Abolitionist)Huck Finn, represents his view through the

character of Jim and his struggles.As we read and discuss, Jim will be the only

honest and good character from beginning to end.

Writing the BookTook 7 Years to finish –took time off after

startingTakes a distinctive turn from humorous to

serious

Controversy

Married to Olivia Langdon for 34 years until her death in 1904 of heart failure.He had three daughters and loved his later

life in ConnecticutHe was extremely involved in the sciences

and technology.Declared bankruptcy because of the many

trial and errors of his own inventions, especially the typesetting machine that never took flight.

Personal Life

Mark Twain our greatest American author and man not afraid to speak his mind passed away on April 21, 1910, in Redding, Connecticut from a heart attack.

His legacy lives on over 100 years later.

Explore. Dream. Discover.

Rest in Peace