Sam's Sublime American Author Research: Mark Twain by Samuel Rotter

Thesis Statement

srotte5853 — 2024-02-23 13:04:08 UTC

Mark Twain doesn't state his support or denial of The American Dream. Still, he had an unusually modern view of the concept which highlighted the complications of The American Dream. Twain’s use of satire in his works, his inquiry into problems like injustice and racism, and the ways he portrayed moral dilemmas in his writings criticize societal norms and morals of the time.

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srotte5853 — 2024-02-23 13:08:50 UTC

Twain’s use of satire in his works allows him to criticize The American Dream without outright saying he doesn't support it. The book "American Eras(Vol. 8: Development of the Industrial United States, 1878-1899)" extensively explores Mark Twain's life, with a dedicated focus on his pivotal work "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Within the biography, a very thorough analysis reveals Twain's skillful use of satire as a powerful tool to criticize the societal injustices and inequalities prevalent in late 19th-century America, addressing issues such as racism and moral complexities. The section dedicated to the novel sheds light on its narrative structure and character development, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of Twain's social commentary. Beyond "Huckleberry Finn," the book also touches upon Twain's broader literary contributions, showcasing his enduring impact on American literature. Twain's challenges and the critical themes in his later works indicate a skepticism toward the traditional notion of The American dream.

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srotte5853 — 2024-02-23 13:11:37 UTC

Twain’s inquiry into problems like injustice and racism shows his distaste for things considered normal in American society. In light of this, their most severe criticism was targeted at the use of diction in Twain's books. This is shown through the quote "Their most severe criticism was targeted at the changes in Huck Finn. "N*****" appears more than 200 times in the novel. They bemoaned the opportunities for readers to engage in provocative discussions about the role of racism in American history." (Smith, 2) This quote highlights criticism of Twain's works for its frequent use of a racial slur, raising concerns about its impact. However, it acknowledges that the controversial language provides opportunities for readers to engage in discussions about the role of racism in American history, and how the use of an old word or stereotype still negatively impacts them after it isn't used. Twain illustrates the persistence of racism, conveying the message that attaining genuine freedom and success can be challenging for individuals confronting ingrained societal prejudices, challenging the conventional optimistic portrayal of The American Dream.

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srotte5853 — 2024-02-23 13:11:46 UTC

Twain's portrayal of moral dilemmas in his writings serves as a critical examination and critique of the societal norms and morals prevalent during his time. “Understanding "conscience" in this way illuminates America's current dilemma. What is needed is not a "coalition of consciences" of the Rousseauian kind, as Martin Luther King proposed in a speech at Anaheim on March 16, 1968, days before his murder, but a dismantling of the nation's deformed conscience, what James Baldwin calls "the mighty and indifferent fortress of white supremacy".” (Baptiste, 6) Through Twain’s many writings, he poses many moral dilemmas that relate to how America functions as a whole. He challenges these societal norms by trying to get people to think about their concerns and what they value. A lot of the critiques he brought up about the time were related to racism and injustice which he took a very critical stance on essentially highlighting in his books that had the main issue of racism. Twain’s use of moral dilemmas emphasized the importance of standing up to the issues of the time through critical thinking and questioning societal norms

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srotte5853 — 2024-02-23 13:11:53 UTC

All of the previous instances of Twain being critical of The American Dream show how he is not in support of the standards and societal norms at the time. This is evident in how Twain writes his letter to a friend about not attending the party. He writes “It pitted a large, powerful nation against people who sought only their freedom. In "To the Person Sitting in Darkness," Mark Twain satirizes American control of the Philippines," (Twain, 257) Mark Twain satirizes American imperialism in the Philippines, emphasizing the contrast between the powerful nation and the Filipinos yearning for freedom. The quote highlights Twain's critique of societal norms tied to oppressive actions, prompting reflection on the ethical implications of such imperialistic endeavors. Mark Twain's consistent criticism of The American Dream, coupled with his satirical examination of American imperialism in the Philippines, shows his lack of support for prevailing societal norms, challenging the perceived righteousness of powerful nations and prompting reflection on the ethical implications of oppressive actions.

Reflection Video

srotte5853 — 2024-02-23 13:12:02 UTC

Works Cited

srotte5853 — 2024-02-26 12:55:06 UTC