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Challenging mainstream Twain criticism on many fronts, Florence focuses exclusively on Twain's early writings. He demonstrates how Twain evolved in his early narratives into the "Mark Twain" we now recognize. Florence maintains that this process was evolutionary: Although Twain might have been dependent on Clemens for the initial experiences, they become Twain's experiences, necessary for his development as a persona.
Traditionally, critics of Twain have been preoccupied with dualities, but Florence sees this emphasis upon polarities as an oversimplification. He argues that much of Twain's humor strives to shape more and more of the world, giving Twain multiple narrative voices and letting him be inclusive, not exclusive.
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Finally, this study asserts that there is more continuity to Mark Twain's career than has been generally recognized. Many Twain scholars have argued that Twain's later writings are radically different from his earlier writings because of their emphasis upon illusion and dream. Florence argues that the preoccupation with illusion and fantasy is scarcely new.
Whether Twain's mood is exuberant or dark, he emphasizes subjectivity over objectivity, the dominance of fantasy, the creative powers of humor, and his ability as persona to determine what we consider "reality." Florence contends that Twain's early writings show Mark Twain gradually evolving into a masterfully comic persona.
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Previews available in: English
Subjects
American Humorous stories, Authorship, Comic, The, in literature, Criticism and interpretation, History, History and criticism, Humor, Humorous stories, American, Narration (Rhetoric), Persona (Literature), Point of view (Literature), Psychological aspects, Psychological aspects of Authorship, Self in literature, Twain, mark, 1835-1910, Humorous stories, history and criticismPeople
Mark Twain (1835-1910)Times
19th centuryShowing 1 featured edition. View all 1 editions?
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Persona and humor in Mark Twain's early writings
1995, University of Missouri Press
in English
0826210252 9780826210258
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Includes bibliographical references and index.
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