#AmericanLiterature

[whencyclopedia]

Mark Twain

Mark Twain is the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835-1910), an American humorist, journalist, lecturer, and novelist. He was the voice of his generation and one of the most celebrated authors of the late 19th century, writing some of America's best-known and most memorable works of literature: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Life on the Mississippi, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Through these and other works, he had a profound effect on the development of writing in America, influencing numerous authors of the 20th century, such as Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961). With a career that spanned over four decades, Twain shaped the world's view of America. His rich sense of humor was evident in both his novels and lectures, but Twain's biographer Albert Bigelow Paine believed that he was more than a humorist; he was a philosopher, a prophet, and a humanitarian.

Early Career

Samuel Langhorne Clemens was born in Florida, Missouri, on 30 November 1835. His father, John Marshall Clemens, was educated as a lawyer but chose instead to become a merchant, albeit not a very successful one. In 1839, when Twain was four, his father moved the family to Hannibal, Missouri, a small town along the Mississippi River. In Hannibal, John Marshall returned to the practice of the law, eventually being elected justice of the peace. When he died in 1847, leaving the family in debt, Twain was forced to quit school; he was not quite twelve. Twain, like his older brother Orion before him, was apprenticed to a local printer. When Orion bought a small newspaper, the Hannibal Journal, Twain joined him as a typesetter. The newspaper was operated out of the family's basement. On the days when Orion was absent from the paper, Twain would write small parodies about local characters and conditions, and circulation increased.

In 1853, at the age of 18, Twain left home, working as an itinerant printer in St. Louis, New York, and Philadelphia. By the time he returned from the East, Orion had moved the family to Keokuk, Iowa. Twain would remain in Keokuk with Orion until 1857 when he decided to go to Brazil and the Amazon River. He began the long journey at Cincinnati, working as a printer, until spring. Aboard the Paul Jones, headed to New Orleans, he met a riverboat pilot named Horace Bixby, and after a lengthy conversation, decided to forego the Amazon and become a riverboat pilot. 18 months later, he was considered one the best and most careful on the Mississippi, but, with the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, the Confederates blockaded the river, stopping all river traffic.

Following a short two-week stint in the Confederate Army, Twain traveled west by stagecoach, hoping to become rich in the silver mines of Nevada. Orion, who had a federal appointment in the Nevada Territory as secretary to the governor, went with him. But with little success as either a miner or prospector, Twain used his free time to contribute short articles to the Territorial Enterprise, a Virginia City, Nevada newspaper owned by John Goodman. It was there that he began to use the name Mark Twain, a river term for two fathoms of water. His new name and humorous articles made him famous along the Pacific Slope. Recognizing his talent, Goodman offered Twain the job as editor of the Enterprise at 25 dollars a week. After two years in Virginia City, he moved to San Francisco where he worked for the Morning Call while contributing to the Golden Era and The Californian.

Continue reading...

[peterrsthomas]

Book Review: The Great Gatsby and Brideshead Revisited

I’ve just finished reading The Great Gatsby for the first time, and yes, I can see why it’s become a classic of American literature. The underlying themes, the gradual reveal of the Gatsby’s elusive past, the inevitable tragedy, are subtle and enduring. It reminded me of Brideshead Revisited in a way. The tragic nature of wealth, the decay beneath all that glitz and glamour—Gatsby is to American literature what Brideshead is to English.

Both are narrated by outside observers, Nick Carraway (Gatsby) and Charles Ryder (Brideshead). And both of these men are drawn into the world of wealth from modest backgrounds, and both are simultaneously invested and detached in what they see. Nick establishes a relationship with Jordan Baker, a socialite part of Gatsby’s world, and Charles with Julia, the sister of Sebastian Flyte. And both watch as Gatsby and Sebastian struggle through their personal issues.

Those observed are haunted in their own way by their past. Gatsby is obsessed with Daisy Buchanan, while Sebastian and his family are consumed by their heritage, the death of the English nobility and struggling Catholic traditions. And Gatsby and Sebastian’s family are both eventually consumed—Gatsby is killed following the attempted renewal of his relationship with Daisy, and Sebastian descends into alcoholism.

But there are, of course, key differences. Brideshead’s driving theme is the Catholic religion and English aristocracy; Gatsby’s is the American Dream, a quasi-religion in itself, I suppose, and chased with similar fervour. Fitzgerald critiques a particular form of social mobility and how it can be achieved, and amidst this the hidden classes that define American society, while Waugh explores, with nostalgia, the decline of English nobility, its relationship to faith, education, and tradition. Significantly, wealth, for Gatsby, comes from questionable means, and for the Flytes, wealth is inherited and comes with its own obligations. But, of course, wealth ends up destroying them both, and the people they love.

Do these differences reveal the contrasting nature of English and American societies? Or do they simply represent the differing perspectives of their authors on the nature of wealth and status? There’s something of both, clearly, in this. But regardless, both are significant reads.

[tmarshconnors]

"Believe nothing what you hear and half of what you see"

Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer, poet, author, editor, and literary critic who is best known for his poetry and short stories, particularly his tales of mystery and the macabre. He is widely regarded as a central figure of Romanticism and Gothic fiction in the United States, and of American literature.

Born: 19 January 1809, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Died: 7 October 1849 (age 40 years), Washington Medical College

The circumstances surrounding Poe's death remain a mystery. He was found delirious on the streets of Baltimore, Maryland, and died shortly thereafter. Various theories have been proposed, including alcoholism, substance abuse, rabies, and even foul play, but the exact cause of his death has never been conclusively determined.

Poe is often credited with inventing the modern detective story with his character C. Auguste Dupin in "The Murders in the Rue Morgue." Dupin's analytical prowess set the stage for future fictional detectives, including Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes.

Poe briefly served in the United States Army under the alias "Edgar A. Perry." He enlisted in 1827 and attained the rank of sergeant major before seeking discharge to pursue a writing career. He also attended the United States Military Academy at West Point but was expelled after deliberately neglecting his duties.

Poe married his first cousin, Virginia Clemm, when she was just 13 years old, and he was 27. Their marriage, though unusual by modern standards, was reportedly loving. Virginia's early death from tuberculosis deeply affected Poe and influenced some of his later works.

Despite his literary success, Poe struggled financially throughout his life. He often faced poverty and had difficulty supporting himself through his writing alone. His famous poem "The Raven" brought him some recognition and acclaim, but it did not provide substantial financial rewards.

[litquotes]

He had gone down to the kitchen in the early hours of a bitter December morning; he had built the fire, and had then sat down at the table to write something, and there he died, with pencil in hand and resting against the paper in the middle of an unfinished word -- an indication that his release from the captivity of a long and troubled and pathetic and unprofitable life was mercifully swift and painless.

-- Mark Twain, The Autobiography

[jimfostercoc]

Michael Collins, author of "Lost Souls," talks about how the characters in the book illustrate the failures we all experience and live through in various way, both economically and psychologically.  The full interview from a 2004 episode of "Conversations On The Coast with Jim Foster" can be heard now wherever you get your podcasts.  Photo: michaelcollinswriter.com

[theusaleaders]

15 Thought-provoking  Ralph Waldo Emerson Quotes To Bring Out Your Inner Sage

Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes have inspired generations with their wisdom on self-reliance, individuality, and the beauty of nature. As a 19th-century transcendentalist, Emerson believed in the power of the human spirit and the pursuit of a purposeful life. His words continue to encourage introspection and inspire us to lead authentic and fulfilling lives.

They urge us to think for ourselves, to be authentic, to follow our passions, and to make a difference. In this article, we will share the 15 most thought-provoking Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes. They will inspire you to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

15 Ralph Waldo Emerson Quotes to Inspire Your Journey

“A great man is always willing to be little.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes often emphasize humility. This one reminds us that greatness lies in modesty and the willingness to learn from others, regardless of their status or knowledge.

“People do not seem to realise that their opinion of the world is also a confession of their character.”

This insightful Ralph Waldo Emerson quote implies that the way a person views the world reflects their own personality and values. It also implies that a person who is negative, cynical, or judgmental reveals more about themselves than about the world. This is one of the most realistic Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes.

“Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, Faith looks up.”

This quote suggests that a person who is facing difficulties or challenges should not dwell on the past or the present, but rather look forward to the future with hope and trust in God. It also implies that a person who has faith can overcome sorrow and worry, and find peace and joy. This is also one of the most realistic Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes.

“God enters by a private door into every individual.”

This quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson highlights that God has a personal and intimate relationship with each individual and that he can reach them in different ways. It It also implies that each person has a unique and sacred value and that they should respect and honor their own inner voice.

“We are a puny and fickle folk. Avarice, hesitation, and following are our diseases.”

This quote suggests that we are weak and inconsistent in our character and actions. It also implies that we suffer from greed, indecision, and conformity, which prevent us from achieving our true potential.

“The fox has many tricks. The hedgehog has but one. But that is the best of all.”

This quote implies that a person who has many skills and strategies may not be as successful as a person who has one simple but effective solution. It also implies that a person who is focused and consistent can overcome a person who is versatile and adaptable.

Click below mentioned link to read 15 Ralph Waldo Emerson Quotes to Inspire Your Journey:

[pinkpetalbee]

[monriatitans]

VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENT: 11/20/2023

I mentioned in the *Stream Announcement* on the 19th I would be recording a *Let's Read Some $#!7* video and uploading it to YouTube. I did: https://youtu.be/VksnSEzNbOc You can also go to YouTube and search handle *@monriatitans* I read PORTIONS of 2 books: 1. *The Norton Anthology of American Literature (Shorter Seventh Edition)* by Norton Anthology 2. *Beginner’s Guide to Creating Characters…

[dennisdrawsanddesigns]

#returntooz #ozthegreatandpowerful #fanart #nowavailable for print! #dmmme for more details! #fairuzabalk #michellewilliams #oz #americanliterature #crayolasponserme #artist #orlando #caricature #artistic #instaartist #artistsofinstagram #artistoninstagram #art #digitalartist #artistofinstagram #illustrationartists #artistlife #contemporaryartist #disneyartist #disney #worldofartists #illustrationartist #supportartists #artforsalebyartist #artistoninsta https://www.instagram.com/p/CqN_6k2Lsw5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[whencyclopedia]

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) was an American author of novels and short stories, who produced some of the most memorable works of American literature: the novels The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables as well as the short stories Young Goodman Brown and My Kinsman, Major Molineaux, among many others.

Early Life

Nathaniel Hawthorne was born on 4 July 1804 in Salem, Massachusetts, the second of three children; he had two sisters Elizabeth and Louisa. His early life was spent reading, most often alone. When Hawthorne was four years old in 1808, his father died of yellow fever, causing his mother to become reclusive. His home's old, dusty library, with its stacks of histories and novels, was Hawthorne's salvation. This home of his youth later became the setting for The House of the Seven Gables. At the age of nine, he injured his foot. Housebound and bedridden, he spent the next two years recovering and reading. Robert Mead in his Literature of the American Nation wrote that Hawthorne, alone, sat in the old library reading, absorbing the history of his family and "the somber calamities of the seventeenth-century founders with their Indian wars and terror of witchcraft" (126).

Through family connections, in 1821, he entered Bowdoin College, graduating in 1825. At Bowdoin, he became acquainted with the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) and the future president Franklin Pierce (1804-1869). After graduating from Bowdoin College, Hawthorne returned to Salem with the goal of becoming a writer, leaving his home only for his daily long walks. He "disappeared like a stone dropped into a well" (Cowley, 1). However, the years after leaving Bowdoin can be considered a "literary apprenticeship," a time of reading and writing (Timko, 61). In 1828, he published his first novel Fanshawe: A Tale at his own expense. Later, he began to submit small pieces to the Salem Gazette.

Continue reading...

[katiajewelbox]

Halloween Countdown Day 10 Twas the Night Before Halloween On the eve of Halloween, it's time for a bedtime story that will scare you and make you think as we prepare for the big day of phantasmagoric fun tomorrow. If you dare, listen to master of the macabre Tony Walker read Young Goodman Brown by Nathaniel Hawthorne. This eerie story of witchcraft and haunted woodlands in Colonial America is a timeless tale that asks the reader "how well do we know others, and how well do we know ourselves?" The way this story builds suspense and the description of the witches' sabbath in the deep dark forest is imagery that will burn into your imagination! hashtag#halloween2024 hashtag#halloweencountdown hashtag#Halloween hashtag#halloweenstory hashtag#witches hashtag#witchyvibes hashtag#witchcrafts hashtag#salemwitchtrials hashtag#nathanielhawthorne hashtag#younggoodmanbrown hashtag#literature hashtag#americanliterature hashtag#audiobook hashtag#tonywalker

[primordialsoundmeditation]

Life will break you. Nobody can protect you from that, and being alone won't either, for solitude will also break you with its yearning. You have to love. You have to feel. It is the reason you are here on earth. You have to risk your heart. You are here to be swallowed up. And when it happens that you are broken, or betrayed, or left, or hurt, or death brushes too near, let yourself sit by an apple tree and listen to the apples falling all around you in heaps, wasting their sweetness. Tell yourself that you tasted as many as you could. ~Louise Erdrich

(Book: The Painted Drum https://amzn.to/47ojLIx)

#ad #motivation #novels #americanliterature #Classic

English literature

[sillytriumphdragon]

“If you don’t show up today, I’ll be there next year. And the next. Every November 9th I’ll wait for you, hoping one day you’ll be able to find enough forgiveness to love me again. But if that doesn’t happen and you never show, I’ll still be grateful to you until the day that I die. You saved me the day we met.”

― Colleen Hoover, November 9

#ad #americanliterature #colleenhoover

[jimfostercoc]

Peter Carey, author of "Parrot and Olivier in America," talks about how the main character Olivier, based on Alexis de Tocqueville, was concerned about how a culture can be well-maintained in a capitalist democracy and that it can be both a good and bad thing that anybody can be President.  The full interview from a 2010 episode of "Conversations On The Coast with Jim Foster" can be heard now wherever you get your podcasts. 

[markredfield]

(Un)Easy Listening Hour

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER

by Poe. Read by Mark Redfield. Music & Sound by Jennifer Rouse. Listen on our YouTube Channel

and thank you for subscribing to the Channel!

#EdgarAllanPoe #Usher #TheFallOfTheHouseOfUsher

#ShortStory #AmericanLiterature #MarkRedfield #VoiceActor #JenniferRouse #composer

[monriatitans]

Let's Read Some $#!7 by Norton Anthology & 3dtotalPublishing

Monria Titans Welcome to another installment of Let's Read Some $#17! In sum, the purpose of these videos is to introduce educational resources regarding the creation of video games and to promote literacy! They go as follows: 1. Read the summary on the back of the book (if applicable). 2. Read the "Forward" and "Preface" (if applicable). 3. If there is no "Introduction," read [part of] the…