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How Did Mark Twain Influence American Literature

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Mark Twain is best known for being one of American literature's' most admired authors. While his works, although copious, have the distinction of being distinguished as classics, have been based off childhood memories. Pudd'nhead Wilson poses slavery and racism as strong themes throughout his book that compelled the public to view this novel with a variety of reviews. The distinct technique that Mark Twain used was inventing realism through fictional literature. Mark Twain, from his works and criticism, still continues to impact American literature today. Samuel Clemens, better known for his pen name Mark Twain, was a premier writer of the late nineteenth century who acquired fame from his narratives. Mark Twain was born in 1835 in Florida, …show more content…

Mark obtained experience and minimal success by heading to Philadelphia and New York City to work on different newspapers. After being away from home for a couple years, Samuel returned home in 1857. He then embarked on a new career as a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River. He fulfilled his dream and got his riverboat pilot licence allowing him to find regular employment that gave him high pay and status. Samuel was responsible for plying the shoals and channels of the great Mississippi. The time on the river was limited, due to the Civil War starting abruptly. The traffic restrictions did not offer a steady income. Clements decided to join a volunteer Confederate unit called the Marion Rangers‚ but he quit after just two weeks and made his way to Nevada. In Nevada, he became a prospector for gold and silver, but quickly this career came to an end. After failing as a prospector, Sam started writing for a local newspaper where he used Mark Twain as his pen name for the first time. The fresh start gave him a new career as a public speaker and journalist. The rumor remains that he stole the name from an old river boat captain. His first success as a writer came when his humorous tall tale, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County", was to be published in the New York Weekly. This was the start of Twain's career and the first of many famous works of literature to impact society. (Biography.com

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