Who is Called the Father of American Literature?

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, was born in the year 1835 and is considered the "Father of American Literature."

In the 19th century, he changed how people write. His books combined humor with criticism about society and realistic pictures of the way life was in America at that time. He wrote about the daily life, language, and culture of a specific part of America essentially, the region around the Mississippi River. 

He showed 19th century America through the eyes of an average person. He also challenged social norms, raised awareness about racism, inequality, and the many ways we are flawed as humans in his classic novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. 

Today, Mark Twain continues to be an important figure in American Literature and has inspired many writers in their quest to write creatively and develop their creativity through storytelling, humor, and understanding of our society.

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Who Was Mark Twain? 

An American writer, humorist and lecturer, Mark Twain was born in Florida, Missouri, where he spent most of his childhood living on the banks of the Mississippi River; that setting had a profound effect on his writing style.

 He began his career as a riverboat pilot, and his experiences while navigating the river later served as inspiration for many of his stories. 

Twain's humor was characterized by his astute observations, and he had the ability to write in the regional dialects of the various areas he lived in, making him a truly original voice in America's literature.

Why Is He Called the Father of American Literature?

Mark Twain has earned the title as the Father of American Literature because he was the first writer to express adequately the American spirit, language, and culture through his writings. Twain wrote in realistic, everyday language, which enabled him to capture the voice and experiences of everyday Americans, whereas previous American authors borrowed heavily from European authors. 

Also, Twain's writing incorporated humor, satire, and social commentary. Twain's novels showed off Twain's storytelling abilities along with their moral insights, as well as their reflections of everyday American life.

What are the Most Famous Works of Mark Twain?

Mark Twain is best known for a number of works including:

• In 1884, Twain published the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. It is referred to as the "Great American Novel" because it addresses themes such as friendship and freedom and depicts society's struggles with morality.

• Mark Twain published The Adventures of Tom Sawyer in 1876. It depicts a youth's coming-of-age story that focuses on childish pranks and adventures along the Mississippi River.

• Published in 1881, The Prince and the Pauper is a historical novel about social class and mistaken identities in England.

• Twain recounted his experiences as a riverboat pilot in his memoir, Life on the Mississippi, published in 1883. He intertwined true stories with fiction in his memoir.

• Mark Twain published A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court in 1889. This novel is an example of satirical writing and combines elements of comedic time travel with critiques of 19th Century society.