The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer

Mark Twain (1835–1910), born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was an American writer, humorist, and satirist known for his sharp wit and iconic contributions to literature. He is often called the “Father of American Literature.”

Notable Works:

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876)

• A coming-of-age novel about a mischievous boy growing up along the Mississippi River.
• Features famous scenes like whitewashing the fence and Tom’s adventures in a cave.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885)

• A sequel to Tom Sawyer, but with deeper social and moral themes.
• Considered one of the greatest American novels, it follows Huck Finn and an escaped slave, Jim, on a journey down the Mississippi River.
• Tackles issues of race, freedom, and hypocrisy in pre-Civil War America.

The Prince and the Pauper (1881)

• A historical novel about two boys—one a prince, the other a poor beggar—who swap places.

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court (1889)

• A satirical novel where a 19th-century American engineer time-travels to King Arthur’s court.
• Critiques monarchy, medieval society, and blind adherence to tradition.

The Innocents Abroad (1869)

• A humorous travelogue based on Twain’s real-life travels through Europe and the Middle East.

Life on the Mississippi (1883)

• A memoir about Twain’s experiences as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River.

Legacy & Influence:

• Known for his humour, satire, and critique of social issues, particularly racism and class struggles.
• His use of regional dialects and vernacular speech revolutionized American literature.
• A strong advocate for civil rights and anti-imperialism, especially later in life.
• His works continue to be widely read and studied, though Huckleberry Finn remains controversial due to its portrayal of race and language.

Twain was also famous for his sharp witticisms, such as:

“The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.”
“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear, and the blind can see.”