Who began modern American literature? I'm sure you'll be familiar with the name – Mark Twain. Mark Twain was a grandmaster in the history of American literature, and as Faulkner said, Mark Twain was the first truly American writer. It is said that another American literary master, Hemingway, re-reads Mark Twain's classics every year, which shows the important position of Mark Twain in the history of American literature. Today, let's enjoy the ten aphorisms of this great American writer!
Since the founding of the United States, British gentrification literature has always influenced the American literary community. Finally, in 1865, Mark Twain announced the establishment of native American literature with a literary style that was full of laughter and easy access. He has rich life experience, absorbing the form of folk humor, adopting a fresh and natural, vivid and lively colloquial language, and gradually forming a model of American indigenous literature. In other words, Mark Twain pointed out the direction for the future generations of American literati and established a literary tradition unique to the United States.
Being able to write literature that represents American culture has a lot to do with Mark Twain's experience. He didn't get much education, and after his father's death, 12-year-old Mark Twain had to earn money to support his family. He worked in many kinds of jobs, such as small workers, sailors, miners, journalists, etc., and also began to create literature during this period. Rich life experience, tasted the bittersweet and bittersweet of the world, but also let it have many other people can not touch the literary materials.
Mark Twain's work can be divided into three phases, each of which has a different theme and character. The early works were characterized by humor, and behind the humor and humor was the main idea. In the medium term, because of the deeper understanding of the ills of capitalism, the works of this period became more serious. In his later works, somewhat gray, he saw through the appearance of capitalism, doubted human values, and his inner indignation gradually turned into despair.
Mark Twain's literary language is distinctive, both humorous and exaggerated, but also subtle and deep, and each masterpiece contains hidden emotions and implications. He used some American dialects and vernacular that other writers did not dare to use, so that the characters were vivid and three points, and the most authentic embodiment of all aspects of American society was reflected. It can be said that Mark Twain not only showed the distinctive characteristics of American literature with words, but also this feature was a valuable asset left to American literature and influenced many later generations of literati.
In addition to the language of humor, satire is also a major feature of Mark Twain's literature, and he is known as the founder of American critical realist literature. Behind the humorous text, the sense of irony is stronger and more reflects its literary value.
It is worth mentioning that the vast majority of Mark Twain's works adopt the first-person description method, through the first-person narrative method, clearly expressing the changes in the protagonist's psychological activities, so that the reader has a sense of intimacy, go deep into the work, and have a stronger sense of picture.
Mark Twain's works were already introduced in China in the late Qing Dynasty, and our primary and secondary school textbooks were also exposed to his works, and it can be said that he is one of the most familiar American writers in China. Mark Twain died on April 21, 1910, at the age of 75. He was named "100 People Influencing America" by the United States, ranking 16th. Today, the 111th anniversary of this American writer, let's appreciate his ten aphorisms and experience the charm of the words of this pioneer of American literature.
Travel is the best way to eliminate ignorance and hatred. —Mark Twain
Where there are wrinkles, it only means that the smile has been there. —Mark Twain
By the time the truth was in the shoes, the lie had run all over the city. —Mark Twain
Courage is not without fear, but overcoming fear and overcoming fear. —Mark Twain
Violet leaves its fragrance on the ankle that squashed it, and that is forgiveness. —Mark Twain
Don't give up on your fantasies. When the illusion is gone, you can still survive, but you are still alive and dead. —Mark Twain
Even if you shut up and look like a fool, it's better than opening your mouth to make sure you're a fool. —Mark Twain
The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you understood why you were born. —Mark Twain
Man's mind is remarkable, and as long as he focuses on a certain cause, he will certainly make achievements that surprise him. —Mark Twain
Sometimes reality is more absurd than fiction, because fiction is carried out under certain logic, and reality is often illogical. —Mark Twain