Twain Humor Mark Twain\'s Short but Entertaining

Twain Humor

Mark Twain's short but entertaining story entitled The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County is an interesting tale that presents many useful arguments for dialogue. The purpose of this essay is to explore this short story and discuss the realistic and humorous aspects of this literature. This essay will present an argument that suggests that Twain's story is mostly symbolical and the literary techniques used in the writing of this story are used to help disguise a more secret meaning of the story.

Once the reader is warned by the narrator about the dubious circumstances of visiting Wheeler, we should recognize that Twain is taking us for a ride with an unknown destination. This use of humor, to set up the reader, is very effective and eventually when the anti-climactic ending is revealed, the true humor of the absurdity of this tale is shown.

How real is this tale and how does Twain use realism to produce his desired effects? The distinctions of the languages between the more educated narrator and the more gruff Wheeler attempts to highlight the differences that are found in society adding a realistic tone to the story. By using such phrases as, " there was a feller her once" and " he was the curiosest man about" Twain is certainly trying to distinguish between the folksy Wheeler and the more inquisitive and sophisticated narrator.

As the story begins to drift into the ranting of wheeler, certain names are used to describe the animals of Smiley, the main character of Wheeler's story. Andrew Jackson, the name of one of Smiley's most revered pets, appears to stand for something more than the story itself is leading on. Perhaps there are layers of humor that were intended more as satire in Twain's day. To investigate this relationship it would be necessary to have a firm grasp of the political discussions of the day.

Even though some of the humor may not translate successfully into today's dialect, but the main points of the story certain can have a strong affect. The absurdity of Smiley's fascination with both gambling and animal training may once again appear as some sort of warning from Twain to stay away from tall tales and suspicious activities. Absurdity and humor work hand in hand to help expose the more confusing aspects of the human condition. Twain's use of these literary techniques shows why he is revered as one of America's great authors.