Abstract This paper describes how Mark Twain's short story, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," made him an overnight sensation in the American literary scene. The reviewer gives a brief plot summary of the story, yet focuses on why this particular work gave Twain such widespread recognition. Also included are critic's remarks about whether Twain actually intended this short story to be humorous. The reviewer concludes that it is quite obvious why "Calaveras" made readers take interest in Twain. Besides its humor and interest, it is an insightful tale about the people who lived in the West during that time period.
From the Paper "In the story, Twain described a betting man by the name of Jim Smiley (a unique name in itself) and his leaping frog. "He'd give him a little punch behind," Twain wrote, "and the next minute you'd see that frog whirling in the air like a doughnut--see him turn one summerset, or maybe a couple, if he got a good start, and come down flat footed and all right, like a cat." Smiley bet on anything he could, similar to unfortunate gambling addicts today."
Abstract This paper introduces and discusses the short story, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" by Mark Twain. Specifically it analyzes the dialect of the story and examines how it adds dimension and depth to the characters.
From the Paper "From the time Wheeler takes over the narration, Twain's tone is casual and humorous. Wheeler begins characterizing Smiley as a man who would bet on anything, even whether a preacher's wife would die or not. "Lots of the boys here has seen that Smiley, and can tell you about him. Why, it never made no difference to him--he'd bet on any thing--the dangdest feller" (Twain 1262). Already the reader has an idea about Smiley and his wagering. Wheeler's words are simple and sound uneducated, but it is clear he is shrewd and knowledgeable about many subjects; he just wants to appear simple. He sets up the scene for Smiley to teach a frog to jump, and because of his clear and affable explanations, the reader fully believes that Smiley can and will teach the frog to jump, and win yet another bet. "He got him up so in the matter of catching flies, and kept him in practice so constant, that he'd nail a fly every time as far as he could see him" (Twain 1263). The frog is smart, and the reader cannot see how this agile creature can lose any race, until a stranger with a trick up his sleeve comes to town."
Abstract This paper discusses how and why Mark Twain's short story "Jumping Frog" can be said to be an example of both realism and naturalism. The paper cites examples from the text and discusses the ideas of other critics about these two literary genres.
From the Paper "Literary Genre Study Proposal. While doing preliminary research for my paper, the statement in the instructions that kept coming into my mind was "Do not worry if the fit isn't exact" for genres are not pigeon holes into which authors force their imaginative creations. I intended to write on "The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" because I like Twain and the story is fun and easy to understand."
Tags: naturalism, realism, Twain, Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, literary analysis
Abstract The paper discusses how as both a journalist and fiction writer, Mark Twain commented on the events that were occurring in America at the time. In Twain's time the United States was undergoing many changes from an agricultural to an industrial and international country. Twain often had something to say about the impact of these changes on the nation and many of his thoughts created controversy. The paper looks at his "Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," "Innocents Abroad" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." The paper reveals that at first, his readers saw him primarily as a humorist who couched his beliefs in fiction. However, as he became well known, he became more serious on issues such as black Americans as human beings, votes for women and anti-imperialism.
From the Paper "Throughout the years, and until this day, Twain's stories and books have been read with mixed reviews--not on the style, but on the theme and meaning behind the words. When Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was first published in January 1885 it drew raves and boos from the beginning. It was praised by authors such as Ernest Hemingway and critics and scholars have treated it as one of the greatest American works of art. To the contrary, it was condemned by many reviewers in Twain's time as crude and by many commentators since as racist. In 1885 it was banished from the shelves of the Concord Public Library, which attracted a lot of publicity and press."
