American Regionalism and Mark Twain

The idea that American expansion across the North American continent is divinely ordained and inevitable.

The process of moving a concept or phenomenon away from its original location or context.

A cultural movement in American literature that focused on capturing the unique characteristics and experiences of different regions.

The shifting, undefined boundary marking the edge of settled areas and the beginning of wilderness.

A narrative style common in frontier literature that exaggerates events and characters for humorous effect.

A literary genre that focuses on portraying the distinctive customs, dialect, and atmosphere of a specific region.

The ideal of individualism, self-reliance, and ambition that shaped American society and expansion.

A legendary figure representing the bold, self-sufficient individual who led the way in westward expansion.

A type of writing that uses irony to make a point or expose hypocrisy. Mark Twain used irony to highlight the absurdity of frontier stories and boosterism.

Exaggerated stories designed to promote a place or idea, often using embellishments and hyperbole.

A figure of speech using exaggerated language to create a humorous effect.

The act of substituting or replacing one thing with another, often with humorous or satirical effect. Mark Twain often used substitution to create ironic humor.

A character in a story who is responsible for telling the narrative. In Mark Twain's works, the narrator often uses irony and humor to reveal underlying truths.

The process of converting ideas and experiences into a written format, often using a specific style or technique.

A literary technique that involves using figurative language and storytelling to create a unique, memorable and often humorous effect. In Mark Twain's works, literariness is often achieved through irony and exaggeration.

The process of meaning being spread and changed, where the original meaning is lost and replaced with a new one.

Twain's first book that used his popular writing style and focused on his experiences travelling to Europe and the Middle East.

A type of writing that uses irony and satire to expose the flaws and contradictions of a society or culture.

Twain's writing often mocked European culture from an American perspective.

Bret Harte's style of storytelling focused on moral and psychological contrasts between characters, using more refined language than Twain.

The success of Twain's career was greatly influenced by his marriage to Olivia Langdon, who provided financial and social support.

Twain's early works incorporated elements of the tall tale genre, but he later moved away from it.

A revival of interest in regionalist literature, characterized by a focus on specific regions and their unique qualities and experiences.

A literary genre that focuses on capturing the distinct customs, language, and atmosphere of a specific region.

The belief that literature focused on 'small and private lives' is as valuable as narratives about grander themes like seafaring or warfare.

The use of a regional perspective to offer a critical view or challenge dominant values.

The author Sarah Orne Jewett, known for her works portraying life in her native Maine.

The constant shifts between scenes taking place on the river and on its banks. It is often described as 'alternation of chapters' and contributes to the novel's narrative structure.

The river acts as a force that prevents Huck and Jim from actively seeking freedom. It passively carries them along, making their journey less about purposeful action and more about observing the world.

The presence of con artists pretending to be famous actors, highlighting the deceptiveness and shallowness of some Southern society.

The scene where a group of people try to lynch someone highlights the dangers of mob mentality and the potential for extreme violence in the South.

The book explores the complicated and changing nature of the relationship between white and black individuals in the antebellum South.

The author, Mark Twain, incorporates aspects of Emerson's philosophy, particularly the emphasis on individual conscience over rigid social norms.

Twain criticizes the portrayal of Native Americans by other writers, demonstrating an awareness of the need for greater representation and understanding of diverse cultures.

Twain's work features various characters who are not from the mainstream white perspective, highlighting the importance of diverse voices and experiences in American literature.

Twain's letters showcase a stark contrast between his sentimental expressions of love and his cynical, often satirical, views on human nature. This gap, present in his early work, foreshadows the later division between his published and unpublished writings.

Twain's critical writings often mocked American ideals and the hypocrisy of a society that claimed moral superiority while failing to recognize its flaws. He criticized the lack of genuine morality and the emphasis on appearances over substance.

Twain's satire, particularly in "Letters from the Earth," criticizes the absurdity of traditional religious views, especially the idea of a heaven filled with endless, monotonous singing. This satire highlights the gap between human experience and the unrealistic expectations of heaven.

Twain's novella "The Man Who Corrupted Hadleyburg" emphasizes the theme of corruption and the disintegration of moral boundaries among Americans. It exposes the hypocrisy and dishonesty hidden behind a façade of virtue.

In "The Mysterious Stranger," Twain explores the complete collapse of the distinction between reality and illusion, suggesting a world where truth is constantly shifting and unreliable. This reflects his skepticism towards human perception and understanding.

Twain's wife, Olivia, played a significant role in shaping his literary career by influencing which works were published, often censoring his more critical and satirical writings. She had a strong preference for works that aligned with conventional morality.

Twain's unpublished writings, often characterized by sharp satire and critical commentary on religion and society, were deemed too controversial or offensive for publication during his lifetime. This exclusion highlights the societal constraints on expression and the struggle for free speech.

Twain's writings often reveal a deep vein of pessimism and social commentary. He frequently exposes the hypocrisy and moral failings of society, while questioning the validity of its ideals and beliefs.