Realism1

= Realism and Mark Twain  =

A brief introduction to Mark Twain:

Samuel Langhorne Clemens was born on November 30th in the year of 1835 in the small town of Florida, Missouri. His parents, John Marshall and Jane Lampton Clemens, had no knowledge that their son would soon be known as Mark Twain, the famous American author and realistic writer.

Mark Twain’s childhood consisted of poor health but by age nine he was able to recover from the ailments and venture to the outside world with the other children. When Samuel was 12 his father died of pneumonia. The next year, Samuel left from school to become a printer’s apprentice. This gave way to his interest in writing. When Samuel was 17 he left the printing area to become a river pilot's apprentice, and soon after he became a licensed river pilot. “Clemens" pseudonym, Mark Twain, comes from his days as a river pilot. It is a river term which means two fathoms or 12-feet when the depth of water for a boat is being sounded. ‘Mark twain’ means that it is safe to navigate.”

= = “Twain began to gain fame when his story, //The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calavaras County,// appeared in the New York Saturday Press on November 18, 1865. Twain's first book,//The Innocents Abroad,// was published in 1869, //The Adventures of Tom Sawyer// in 1876, and //The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn// in 1885. He wrote 28 books and numerous short stories, letters and sketches.”

= = Mark Twain passed away on April 21st, 1910, leaving an extraordinary legacy for people to explore and benefit from.

Quotes about Mark Twain

"...The first truly American writer, and all of us since are his heirs." -- William Faulkner

" The mark of how good //Huckleberry Finn// has to be is that one can compare it to a number of our best modern American novels and it stands up page for page, awkward here, sensational there - absolutely the equal of one of those rare incredible first novels that come along once or twice in a decade." -- Norman Mailer

"I believe that Mark Twain had a clearer vision of life, that he came nearer to its elementals and was less deceived by its false appearances, than any other American who has ever presumed to manufacture generalizations, not excepting Emerson. I believe that he was the true father of our national literature, the first genuinely American artist of the royal blood." -- H.L. Mencken

Visit Mark Twain's Facebook Page :) []  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001474072656#!/profile.php?id=100001474072656&v=wall

What is realism?

“Realism is nothing more and nothing less than the truthful treatment of material.” --William Dean Howells

**Literary realism** most often refers to the trend, beginning with certain works of nineteenth-century French literature an d extending to late-nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century authors in various countries, towards depictions of contemporary life and society "as they were." -Wikipedia resources

Interview!

The AP Language students, Taylor and Megan, had the honorable opportunity to ask a few questions with the intriguing author Mark Twain. These questions were concerning the ideals of realism and their affect on his books as a writer.


 * Mr. Twain, What do you think makes a great writer?**

//Firstly, feel free to address me by Mark if you would like. Well, one thing you need to keep memo of is to truly be a great writer you must have truth within yourself. People in my time didn’t want to hear or read fantasies that seemed unreal to them in their situations. They wanted the truth and maybe a little literary tweaks in there as well. During my time, I tried desperately to shine a light on the effect the Philippine War had on the American people and their president, President Lincoln. This is what truly defines a great writer and made their works seem almost real.//


 * Mark, what were some of your struggles with writing in your earlier years?**

//Words can't begin to tell of the torment writers went through on most days. Writers of my time realized very quickly that people didn't want to hear the truth no matter how true it was. You have to target your audience on a mere personal level which will get them to see your point every time. Around the time of the annexation of the Philippines, many turned to violence and anti-imperialist groups. When I arrived in New York the year of 1900, I announced my position on the war and the anti-imperialism ideas and riots. Believe me, I'm no pacifist but I know when to talk when not spoken to. So, I wrote my greatest thoughts into a book. I titled it Weapons of Satire:Anti-Imperialist Writings on the Philippine-American War. I struggled a bit with that one but I believe it got people to see the war on a different stand-point.//


 * The concept of realism, is that a key element that you** **try to convey or show in your books?**

//Your books as a writer will take on a more// //authentic effect// //if realism is in the picture. I'd like to describe my writing as being humorous and descriptive also. You must capture the voice of American// //speech// //using all writing techniques. However, realism to me meant telling the truth to your reader. If your reader felt any type of emotion from your book at all, you know you related on a personal level to him or her. Huckleberry Finn was one of my most capturing books// //not only because of the setting, slang of words, tone, an etc. That story told of the character's point of view, not mine. I felt the need to make it about an abused thirteen year old boy because I didn't think the children of my decade got to have a say. As a writer, you have to appeal to all ages of people. This is another key into making your book seem more real// //and relevant.//


 * Who were other influential writers of your time? Did they impact your writing style in any way?**

//One of the most favorable was my brother, Orion. He was some what of a writer as well but// //took that ambition as wanting to be a secretary to James W. Nye. I was honored to meet Bret Harte, Artemus Ward, and Dan DeQuille. They were brilliant writers as well. Artemus traveled afar many times. He wrote many of his short stories off of his life and travels. Bret Harte was a great poet and author. He truly pioneered his skill. Dan// //humored many people with his// __//A History of the Big Bonanza//.__ //My most profound friendship was with my Henry H. Rogers. Henry was remarkable friend and executive. He introduced me to Helen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan. Upon my return, Helen wrote Rogers and I a kind letter for the visit. On a another note, Harte or Ward did impact me personally. When reading other books of writers in my decade, it helped to expand my view on things. It never hurt anyone// //to stop talking of themselves once in a while.//


 * What was your inspiration to write Tom Sawyer, which I may remind you was one of your most popular?**

//I was a master at colloquial speech. This was a unique talk that many spoke during my writing years. Essentially, I modeled Tom Sawyer after my child actions and ways as a lad. I was critical to imperialism, as you can see. I supported Lincoln's Proclamation with honor. It not only set blacks free, but set the white man free also. I not only wrote to all ages but races as well. Many a times, I argued non stop of the injustice non-whites received in the United States. This was another key aspect in writing Tom Sawyer. I wanted to open the can on abolition and emancipation. Again, writers must view all sides to a story to make their writing seem more realistic and personal.//


 * Mark, what do you think kept you going as a literary writer in your decade?**

//Experience. When I first knew I wanted to be a writer, it didn't come naturally as many may think. Your writing skill advances with time. As time moves forward so do writers and their books. Many authors devoted their lives to one single book in one decade. As a writer myself, I didn't believe in trying to make a best seller to your audience. I believed, a writer writes the book and their buyers take their views apart from the author. You should never write to please. Did Beethoven compose music to appease to his hearing companions?//


 * Do you believe that people can relate to your books more because of your opinions on realism in books?**

//Very much so. If you give your audience the truth, their opinions of your work are a little more sympathetic. I rarely was fond of writing fantasies or giddy romantic novels that told of stories that were unimaginable to the decade I lived in//**.** //As a writer, your opinions should be on a platform of where you stand, otherwise you lose your passion to write books. Writer must think as if their writings are but mere paintings on a wall for everyone to admire over. Your 'painting' will be viewed in many different directions and even some ways you yourself didn't notice at first. To sum my writing style into one word would be unending. However, to sum a writer himself into one word would be, realistic.//

Summary

Mark Twain lived a majestic life as a writer. He captivated people with his colloquial way of speech in his books. He believed that books were like a writer’s canvas; the writer sets the picture and opens the door of positive and negative criticism. Twain not only was an anti-imperialist but used this aspect of his character to be reflected in his books as well. Most of all his books were set during the Civil War and Philippine War period. Twain never let his opinion in his books go unnoticed but was willing to give his characters in the books a mind as well. Twain lived a vivacious life. He impacted his American society through his novels. He captivated the idea of what it truly meant to be a realist in his time.

In present day, there is an award named in honor of the author Mark Twain. Although an American Humor Award, it also recognizes people who have impacted their American Society through their satire and charm.

Pictures from the Past

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Mark Twain's Blog



 ==Saturday, September 11, 2010 == ===[|Year 1872 - 1874] ===

 These few years have been busy for my small family. My first daughter, Susan, was born. With the new addition to our family, I felt the need to build a house. I purchased a property on Farmington Avenue and excitedly began the building process. It is quite dramatic in size and appearance, and it is an accomplishment that has brought my family and me joy.

 My dear wife also birthed our second daughter, Clara.

 ...a family brought love, and distributed it among many objects, and intensified it, and this engendered wearing cares and anxieties, and when the objects suffered or died the miseries and anxieties multiplied and broke the heart and shortened life...

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; text-decoration: none; width: 518px; zoom: 1;">

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border-bottom-color: #ccbb99; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-left-color: #ccbb99; border-left-style: dotted; border-right-color: #ccbb99; border-right-style: dotted; border-top-color: #777777; border-top-style: dashed; border-width: 1px; color: #997755; display: block; float: left; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; width: 600px; zoom: 1;"> Posted by Mark at [|1:45 PM]   [|0 comments]       <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">Email This <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -21px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">BlogThis! <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -42px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">Share to Twitter <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -63px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">Share to Facebook <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -84px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 22px;">Share to Google Buzz

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 600px; zoom: 1;"> ===<span style="color: #cc3300; font: normal normal normal 30px/normal Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: none;">[|Year 1868-1870] ===

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 518px; zoom: 1;"> I have met the love of my life. Her name is Olivia Langdon. Tomorrow is February second, and we will be married in Elmira, New York. I am in love. Need I say more?

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 600px; zoom: 1;"><span style="display: block; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"> Love is not a product of reasonings and statistics. It just comes-none knows whence-and cannot explain itself. <span style="border-top-color: #777777; border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: #997755; display: block; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px;"> Posted by Mark at [|1:40 PM]   [|0 comments]       <span style="display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0.5em !important; margin-right: 0.5em !important; margin-top: 0px !important; vertical-align: middle; width: 106px; zoom: 1;"><span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">Email This <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -21px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">BlogThis! <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -42px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">Share to Twitter <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -63px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">Share to Facebook <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -84px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 22px;">Share to Google Buzz

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 600px; zoom: 1;"> ===<span style="color: #cc3300; font: normal normal normal 30px/normal Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: none;">[|Year 1865 - 1867] ===

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 518px; zoom: 1;"> Two years ago I penned the story 'The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County' which later was published as 'The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.'

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; text-decoration: none; width: 518px; zoom: 1;">

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 600px; zoom: 1;"> I just returned home from spending the night in a New York City Jail. My arrest was for misconduct in the city. <span style="border-top-color: #777777; border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: #997755; display: block; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px;"> Posted by Mark at [|1:32 PM]   [|0 comments]       <span style="display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0.5em !important; margin-right: 0.5em !important; margin-top: 0px !important; vertical-align: middle; width: 106px; zoom: 1;"><span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">Email This <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -21px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">BlogThis! <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -42px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">Share to Twitter <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -63px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">Share to Facebook <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -84px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 22px;">Share to Google Buzz

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 600px; zoom: 1;"> ===<span style="color: #cc3300; font: normal normal normal 30px/normal Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: none;">[|Year 1863 - 1864] ===

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 518px; zoom: 1;"> **My name is Samuel Langhorne Clemens. It is a good name. However, I am a fresh new journalist and need a "nom de guerre." While working on the steamboat sometime ago, a gentleman used to jot down brief paragraphs of plain practical information about the river, and he would sign them 'Mark Twain,' and he would give them to the 'New Orleans Picayune." I confiscated the ancient mariner's discarded one, and have done my best to maintain what is was in his hands, a sign and symbol and warrant that whatever is found in its company may be gambled on as being the petrified truth.**

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 518px; zoom: 1;"> **I have given you reasons for my new adopted pen name, but from now on, if I choose to use my name I will refer to myself as Mark.**

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 518px; zoom: 1;"> **Now, currently I am working as a reporter for the San Francisco Morning Call and the Sacramento Union. The job provides the experience I need to become a greater writer.**

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border-bottom-color: #ccbb99; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-left-color: #ccbb99; border-left-style: dotted; border-right-color: #ccbb99; border-right-style: dotted; border-top-color: #777777; border-top-style: dashed; border-width: 1px; color: #997755; display: block; float: left; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; width: 600px; zoom: 1;"> Posted by Mark at [|1:26 PM]   [|0 comments]       <span style="display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0.5em !important; margin-right: 0.5em !important; margin-top: 0px !important; vertical-align: middle; width: 106px; zoom: 1;"><span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">Email This <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -21px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">BlogThis! <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -42px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">Share to Twitter <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -63px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">Share to Facebook <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -84px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 22px;">Share to Google Buzz

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 600px; zoom: 1;"> ===<span style="color: #cc3300; font: normal normal normal 30px/normal Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: none;">[|Year 1859 - 1861] ===

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 518px; zoom: 1;"> A few years ago I discussed the possibility of receiving a Steamboat Pilot License. Well I finally did receive one. I have worked as a river pilot for sometime now, and it has been a fascinating experience.

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; text-decoration: none; width: 518px; zoom: 1;">

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 600px; zoom: 1;"><span style="display: block; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"> However, a war in our nation has recently broke out. People are saying it is a civil war, between the north and the south. This outbreak is resulting in a stop in my pilot career. <span style="border-top-color: #777777; border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: #997755; display: block; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px;"> Posted by Mark at [|1:13 PM]   [|0 comments]       <span style="display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0.5em !important; margin-right: 0.5em !important; margin-top: 0px !important; vertical-align: middle; width: 106px; zoom: 1;"><span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">Email This <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -21px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">BlogThis! <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -42px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">Share to Twitter <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -63px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">Share to Facebook <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -84px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 22px;">Share to Google Buzz

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 600px; zoom: 1;"> ===<span style="color: #cc3300; font: normal normal normal 30px/normal Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: none;">[|Year 1856 - 1858] ===

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 518px; zoom: 1;"> **Last year I gave my first public speech at the printer's banquet which was held in Keokuk, Iowa. It went well, however at the time I was nervous. But now I realize there was no need for the nerves because many people congratulated me on my intelligent commentary.**

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 518px; zoom: 1;"> **My brother, Henry Clemens, passed. It was a devastating accident that dealt with an explosion of a steamboat. It has been difficult to cope, but that is my reality.**

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 600px; zoom: 1;"><span style="display: block; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"> **Because of the incident, I have decided to receive a steamboat pilot license. This way I can possibly help prevent further accidents that are dealt with these powerful machines.** <span style="border-top-color: #777777; border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: #997755; display: block; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px;"> Posted by Mark at [|1:08 PM]   [|0 comments]       <span style="display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0.5em !important; margin-right: 0.5em !important; margin-top: 0px !important; vertical-align: middle; width: 106px; zoom: 1;"><span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">Email This <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -21px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">BlogThis! <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -42px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">Share to Twitter <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -63px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 21px;">Share to Facebook <span style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: -84px 0px !important; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat !important; color: #cc3300; display: block; float: left; height: 22px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-decoration: none; width: 22px;">Share to Google Buzz

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 600px; zoom: 1;"> ===<span style="color: #cc3300; font: normal normal normal 30px/normal Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: none;">[|Year 1851 - 1853] ===

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 518px; zoom: 1;"> **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My first sketch has finally appeared in the Hannibal Journal. I entitled it "A Gallant Fireman." This is a great accomplishment, and I am proud. My writing is improving, and I feel more confident. **

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 518px; zoom: 1;"> **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Apart from this news, I have been working as a printer in St. Louis, New York City, and Philadelphia. These printing presses are increasing my love for writing, and as I work, I am able to find my true potential for this life. **

<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; float: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 860px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 860px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px; position: relative; width: 518px; zoom: 1;"> **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As well as printing, I am working as a correspondent for Iowa's Muscatine Journal from Philadelphia. It is giving me more opportunities to be near other great minds who love writing and printing like I do. **

==<span style="color: #997755; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;">Saturday, September 11, 2010 == <span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 1px dotted #ccbb99; display: block; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px;"> ===<span style="color: #cc3300; font: normal normal normal 30px/normal Georgia,Utopia,'Palatino Linotype',Palatino,serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: none;">[|Year 1847] ===

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;">**Hello, My name is Samuel Clemens. I am starting this journal in the year of 1847. It is a rough time for my family. My father just recently passed away from pneumonia. I have been helping my dear family out through this trial and we are getting along without complaints.**

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"> **I recently acquired a job as a typesetter to the Hannibal Journal. I hope through my experience I will soon gain enough credit to pursue a greater career in this category. Hannibal Journal is owned by my brother, Orion. He seems to enjoy his business, so why not follow in his foot steps?**
 * It is nice working for him because he also lets me contribute various articles that I write in my spare time.**

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"> **Well until next time,**
 * Samuel**

We hope you have learned about Mark Twain and have gained a greater understanding of Realism. :)

For more information on our friend Mark Twain please visit the official Mark Twain Website. [] [|Mark Twain] <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">