Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)

Many people may know Mark Twain as “The Great American Novelist.” While he is known for his classic novels, many people might not know that he actually got his start as journalist.

Mark Twain was born in Missouri to the name of Samuel Clemens. After the death of his father, Clemens was forced to leave school and become an apprentice printer at the age of 12. He got his first job working for a newspaper owned by his older brother, Orion. Clemens used his wild imagination to create sketches for different newspapers and magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post.

After several years, Clemens moved out west with his brother to Nevada. During this time, Clemens adopted his pen name “Mark Twain” after using it in his article on February 2, 1863.

Twain’s journalist career was sporadic. He had a sarcastic sense of humor, so he enjoyed writing political satires. At the end of the Civil War in 1865, Mark Twain found his literary voice when he published “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” His new popularity allowed him to go on tour as a comedian. After more success he wrote a travel book called The Innocents Abroad, making fun of ancient relics that are supposed to be impressive to tourists. He wrote, “To reproduce a Jerusalem street, it would only be necessary to upend a chicken coop and hang it before each window in an ally of American houses.”

Mark Twain used his role as a journalist, to evolve into a novelist and comedian. He left a huge impact on American culture by leading the way of satire. It was his courage to dissect American cultures that lead the way for future satirists. He fearlessly pointed out the horrors of slavery and the hypocrisy of the nation through his humor. There is even a Mark Twain humor award given to the comedian who has raised the most political awareness through comedy.

References: Albaum, Jared. "Introduction to Journalism." Introduction to Journalism. Word Press, 3 Aug. 2008. Web. 03 Oct. 2013.

Ritchie, Donald A. American Journalists: Getting the Story. New York: Oxford UP, 1997. Print.