Chris Schlosser
5/8/14
Engl161
Casual Violence and Twain
Mark Twain offers a comic theme of casual violence throughout his works, this theme depicts the rough life on the western frontier as well as the rebuilding South during the reconstruction and antebellum time periods. The consistency of this theme presents the idea of a barbaric American culture during these times. It also is used to desensitize the reader and to expose the inconsistencies of the time era including political, economical, and social issues.
In “Cannibalism in the Cars” Twain the brutality of politics during the reconstruction era. The story depicts a horrific, yet hilarious plot of a large group of congressmen traveling on a train which after a snowstorm leaves the congressmen stranded in the snow without food. (Twain 12) Twain uses this scenario to demonstrate the flawed processes of congress on the deciding of anything. The men are so involved with the process of food selection that they don’t realize the severity of the issue of cannibalism. Mr. Sawyer: "Gentlemen-I protest earnestly against these proceedings. They are, in every way, irregular and unbecoming. I must beg to move that they be dropped at once, and that we elect a chairman of the meeting and proper officers to assist him, and then we can go on with the business before us understandingly" (Twain 14). Twain uses a nonchalant description of the violent acts to show barbarism on Capitol Hill in this era.(Twain 15) Later the story insinuates that story was a mere exaggeration of really how brutal the politicians are, but leaves the reader stuck between fact and fiction, a key theme in Twain’s work. What do you think?
“Journalism in Tennessee” is a dramatized stereotype of the Confederate South as a “wild west” setting. The story starts with a northern journalist being sent to Tennessee on Doctor’s orders to rest and improve his health with a little southern hospitality. The irony is overwhelming once the new editor finds out that it is not what he expected. "People were shot, probed, dismembered, blown up, thrown out the window. There was a brief tornado of murky blasphemy, with a confused and frantic war-dance glimmering through it, and then all was over." (Twain 38) The exaggerated madness and violence met with exaggerated politeness creates a humorous and clever piece that provides laughable brutality in American society. What are
some other examples in Twain's works that supports this theme as well as other themes that
intertwine with this one?
After reading your blog I went back and skimmed over a few of Twains short stories paying close attention to his use of violence. Keeping your well thought out points in mind I realized that while I was reading his stories that used a lot of violence in them I felt a sense of anxiety and stress. I think one reason Twain uses violence in his work is so the reader can sympathize with the characters and become a part of the story. I think you brought up several good points!
ReplyDeleteIt is very interesting to read the nonchalant violence used by Twain in many of his stories, but I'm still undecided on how to interpret it. Chris and Violet, you guys both have excellent points! In my opinion, Twain uses violence as a device for humor in a satirical way. It is also interesting to compare the year that Twain published "Cannibalism in the Cars" (1868) to what was going on his life. This was well before Twain experienced devastating losses, such as the death of his wife and kids, so I suspect that it's supposed to be more for humorous purposes than anything else.
ReplyDeleteTo sort of expand on the question you ended with, I think many of Twain's other short stories depicted casual violence including "A Day at Niagara". "Violence" may not be the right word for it, but it is definitely an example of Twain's dark humor. The situation I'm referring to is when the narrator of "A Day at Niagara" has been thrown into the falls. He is beginning to drown and is calling out for help when he notices a man sitting by the water. The man asks for a match and then lets the narrator know he is actually the coroner waiting for him to die. He puts no effort into saving him and merely states to take his time because he's in no rush for him to die. The mans life is finally spared when he is arrested for causing a ruckus asking for help. Hilarious, yet so dark at the same time.
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