Mark Twain: Wit and Criticism

Introduction

All About Samuel Clemens Mark Twain was an American author and humorist. During his lifetime, Twain became a friend to presidents, artists, industrialists and European royalty. Twain enjoyed immense public popularity. His keen wit and incisive satire earned him praise from both critics and peers. American author William Faulkner called Twain "the father of American literature (Harold pp 147-265).”

Discussion

There are many references to other works in Huckleberry Finn. Early in the book, he alludes to the story of Moses and the Bullrushers. He also alludes to Twain's earlier work, Tom Sawyer. Also during the plays of the duke and king, he alludes, to Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet.

Twain uses a lot of satire in this book to give it a little wit. Most of the mocking situations stem out of Huck's youth and innocence. An example of verbal mockery is given when Tom tell Huck of his new gang. Huck says, “But Tom Sawyer he hunted me up and said he was going to start a band of robbers, and I might join if I would go back to the widow and be respectable.” Mark Twain is known for his wit and humor (Witschi p 88). His wit, humor, and wisdom helped his lectures to be well received; and these characteristics have continued to make Mark Twain a widely beloved writer after all these years. Find books related to the wit and humor of Mark Twain.

Although he was confounded by financial and business affairs, his humor and wit was keen, and he enjoyed immense public popularity. At his peak, he was probably the most popular American celebrity of his time. His stories portrayed reality in different places around the United States, what he endured when he traveled, and the people he met (Warren) with humor and ...