Twain’s Setting

1. Twain’s Setting Mark Twain used Hannibal, Missouri as the setting for Tom Sawyer . Let’s explore his world.

2. Hannibal, Missouri • Found on the Mississippi River

3. Hannibal, Missouri • Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain • Steamboats landed 3 times a day • His dream was to be a steamboat man on the river

4. Hannibal, Missouri • Lived here between the years 1839 to 1853 • Newspaper career began as an apprentice to a publisher • Do you see the white fence? Remember it!

5. Inside Mr. Clemens' Home

6. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer • The story is not an autobiography, but Mr. Clemens’ did turn many people from his life into the characters • In the preface of the book Mr. Clemens states that Tom “is a combination of three boys whom I knew”

7. Main Characters • Tom Sawyer – combination of Samuel Clemens himself and two childhood friends; Mr. Clemens actually did many of the things which Tom does in the book • Huckleberry Finn – comes from the real boy named Tom Blankenship, who lived down the street from Mr. Clemens

8. Main Characters • Becky Thatcher – based on the young girl, Laura Hawkins, who lived across the street from Mr. Clemens; she lived her whole life in Hannibal; this is a picture of the house in Hannibal which is called “Becky Thatcher’s House”

9. Main Characters • Aunt Polly – based on Mr. Clemens’ own mother, Jane Clemens • Cousin Mary – Mr. Clemens’ sister Pamela Clemens • Cousin Sid – Mr. Clemens’ younger brother, Henry Clemens • Joe Harper – based on a childhood playmate, John Briggs

10. Main Characters • Injun Joe – legend says that this character was based on Joe Douglas who was part Indian and part African-American; Douglas was bald and wore a red wig; lived a long life and died respectably

11. Setting • This is a picture which includes the grave stones of Mr. Clemens’ parents • This graveyard will be important!

12. Setting • McDougal Cave – this is about 2 miles south of Hannibal and was well explored by children; today it is known as Mark Twain Cave • Why do you think the name was changed?

13. On the Mississippi • Lived in several cities along the Mississippi • When 21, lived in New Orleans • Became an apprentice to Horace Bixby, a steamboat pilot • Lived on the river for 2 years • Began signing articles with the pseudonym “Mark Twain,” which means “two fathoms deep”

14. The Later Years • Mr. Clemens became a famous and respected author • He traveled and lectured all over the United States

15. Interesting Facts • Mr. Clemens became known for the white linen suits he would wear for lectures

16. The Later Years • Mr. Clemens married and had 3 children. The first died after 2 years. • He began many business adventures which failed and eventually had to file for bankruptcy because of his exuberant lifestyle • Moved to Europe and did a lecture tour • Oldest daughter died during this tour in 1896

17. The Later Years • Wife became seriously ill and died in 1904 • Dined at the White House with President Theodore Roosevelt • Youngest daughter died in 1909

18. The Last Year • Mr. Clemens’ health rapidly deteriorated after his daughter’s death • On April 21, 1910, his heart failed and he died at the age of 74

19. “Go out with the Comet” • Samuel Clemens was born in November 1835 when Halley’s Comet appeared in the night sky • Mr. Clemens died during the next appearance of the comet, April 1910 • Amazingly, throughout his life predicted his own death

20. A Big Thank You! • All pictures in this presentation can be found in the American Memory Collection of the Library of Congress