Mark Twain's Humorous Satire in Running for Governor
zwwx@overseaen.com http://www.overseaen.com 2012 年 02 月
Tel:+86-551-5690811 5690812
ISSN 1009-5039
Overseas English 海 外 英 语
Overseas English 海 外 英 语
Mark Twain's Humorous Satire in Running for Governor
田倩
（宁夏大学 外国语学院，
宁夏 银川 750021）
Abstract: Mark Twain, a mastermind of humor and realism, is seen as a giant in world literature. His humorous satire had great impact on the following men of letters; critics also attached significant importance to it and put forward various interpretations. Noticeably, his humor⁃ ous satire finds full expression in his famous short story, Running for Governor. In it, with humor and satire, he exposed the true features and hypocrisy of American democracy. The paper tries to analyze the basic elements which affected Mark Twain's humorous satire, aiming at offering rational analysis of this humorous satire in Running for Governor as well as making Twain's works readily understood.
Key words: Mark Twain; realism; humorous satire; hypocrisy; American
中图分类号：106
I
文献标识码：
A
文章编号： -5039(2012)03-0206-02
1009
1 Introduction
Mark Twain, the pseudonym of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, born in Florida, Missouri, on November 30, 1835, is the forerunner and reputed realist in the arena of American literature. He is an
American writer and humorist, whose best work is characterized by broad, often irreverent or biting satire. His work is also known for re⁃ alism of place and language, memorable characters, and hatred of hypocrisy and oppression.
Because of his remarkable contributions to the nation, literary critics spoke highly of his achievements. For instance, these venera⁃ ble titles "the Lincoln of American literature", "the true father of our national literature", "Mark Twain—Mirror of American" are used to highlight his pinnacles in literature. Samuel's humor, if only in order to funnily make others laugh, I don't think there would not have such a daimyo—"Mark Twain" on the literary scene in today's world. Moreover, with his particular creative
Tel:+86-551-5690811 5690812
ISSN 1009-5039
Overseas English 海 外 英 语
Overseas English 海 外 英 语
Mark Twain's Humorous Satire in Running for Governor
田倩
（宁夏大学 外国语学院，
宁夏 银川 750021）
Abstract: Mark Twain, a mastermind of humor and realism, is seen as a giant in world literature. His humorous satire had great impact on the following men of letters; critics also attached significant importance to it and put forward various interpretations. Noticeably, his humor⁃ ous satire finds full expression in his famous short story, Running for Governor. In it, with humor and satire, he exposed the true features and hypocrisy of American democracy. The paper tries to analyze the basic elements which affected Mark Twain's humorous satire, aiming at offering rational analysis of this humorous satire in Running for Governor as well as making Twain's works readily understood.
Key words: Mark Twain; realism; humorous satire; hypocrisy; American
中图分类号：106
I
文献标识码：
A
文章编号： -5039(2012)03-0206-02
1009
1 Introduction
Mark Twain, the pseudonym of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, born in Florida, Missouri, on November 30, 1835, is the forerunner and reputed realist in the arena of American literature. He is an
American writer and humorist, whose best work is characterized by broad, often irreverent or biting satire. His work is also known for re⁃ alism of place and language, memorable characters, and hatred of hypocrisy and oppression.
Because of his remarkable contributions to the nation, literary critics spoke highly of his achievements. For instance, these venera⁃ ble titles "the Lincoln of American literature", "the true father of our national literature", "Mark Twain—Mirror of American" are used to highlight his pinnacles in literature. Samuel's humor, if only in order to funnily make others laugh, I don't think there would not have such a daimyo—"Mark Twain" on the literary scene in today's world. Moreover, with his particular creative