Mark Twain, whose real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was born on November 30, 1835, in the small town of Florida, Missouri. He was the sixth of seven children born to Jane Lampton Clemens and John Marshall Clemens. Unfortunately, tragedy struck the Clemens family when Mark was just 11 years old, as his father passed away, leaving the family in financial turmoil.
After his father's death, Mark Twain was forced to leave school and start working to help support his family. He began working as a printer's apprentice at the age of 12 and later worked as a typesetter for various newspapers. It was during this time that he developed a love for writing and storytelling.
Despite his lack of formal education, Mark Twain was a natural storyteller and had a gift for humor. In 1857, he decided to pursue a career in writing and journalism, and he began submitting articles and stories to newspapers and magazines. It wasn't long before his work caught the attention of the literary world, and he quickly gained a reputation for his wit and humor.
In 1861, Twain began using the pen name "Mark Twain," which was a term used by riverboat pilots to indicate that the water was safe for navigation. The name stuck, and he would go on to publish some of his most famous works under this pseudonym.
In 1865, Mark Twain published his first short story, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," which brought him widespread acclaim and recognition. This marked the beginning of his literary career, and he would go on to write many more successful works, including the iconic novels "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."
Mark Twain's writing style was unique for its time, as he often used vernacular language and dialects to portray life in the American South. His works were praised for their vivid storytelling and social commentary, and he quickly became one of the most celebrated authors of the 19th century.
In 1870, Mark Twain married Olivia Langdon, with whom he had four children. The couple settled in Hartford, Connecticut, where they lived for many years. Despite his success as a writer, Twain faced many personal challenges throughout his life, including financial troubles and the loss of loved ones.
In 1904, tragedy struck again when Twain's daughter Jean passed away at the age of 29. The loss took a toll on Twain's health, and he never fully recovered from the grief. In his later years, he struggled with depression and illness, but he continued to write and publish works until his death.
Mark Twain passed away on April 21, 1910, at the age of 74. Despite his struggles and hardships, he left behind a lasting legacy as one of America's greatest writers. His works continue to be studied and celebrated for their humor, wit, and social commentary, and he is remembered as a pioneer of American literature. In the words of William Faulkner, Mark Twain will always be remembered as the "father of American literature."
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