Mark Twain

Brainstorming....

Start with "How to Tell a Story."

1. Symbolizes the difference between American culture. Distinguishes it from that of English or French literature. "How to Tell a Story" is symbollically different because America is seen as "humorous" while English and French is seen as "witty." It is not about the "matter" of the conversation, but rather the "manner."

- What does this signify? How is humour different from wit? How is manner different from 

matter? I suppose, it is not what is being said, but how it is said that is important. How is this relevant to California literature? Twain tries to create a new brand of literature that relies upon what? Audience participation? i.e. "The Golden Arm." 

- Issues of identity. Twain tries to form a distinctive identity for California. "Surrounded by 

the best storytellers." California as wholesome and honest. Not filled with pretention or fakeness. * The California people are honest. This is what makes the storytelling enjoyable. 

There is no show behind their stories. It is simple and plain and funny because of the way in  which it is told. Not because of a pre-rehearsed punch line. 

- What is the difference between "The Wounded Soldier" and "The Golden Arm"? Both 

require some form of a punchline at the end. One is humurous, the other is scary. One is 

funny to the teller whether it affects the audience or not. The other is completely dependant  upon the audience. The reaction from the audience will dictate the humor. Only meant to be funny if it is interpreted so....

- The stories are stories in and of themselves. They are either funny or not depending on the audience. Unlike British or French stories, these are open to interpretation. Open. Free. Can be whatever you want it to be...  This is the way in which Twain depicts California. A land of free spirited people. Elements of magical realism add to an excitement and newness found in California. i.e. "Jim Baker's Bluejay Yarn," and "The Notrioius Jumping Frog of Calaveras County."

Magic realism is a fundamental element to Mark Twain's early writings. He invents and reinvents stories. Even if they are told in their original context, they are still fanciful and unbelievable. Suspend belief. California as almost a fantasy. Where men can talk to blue jays and train frogs.

-"The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County." Both this and the Bluejay story act almost as parables. What do they teach? What are they trying to convey to the reader? I suppose betting would be a lucrative business during early California times. Especially with the onset of the Gold Rush. Perhaps twain was describing the ways in which a gambler will always eventually lose. Even the best of gamblers .Gamblers that rig the game and have "sure wins" will undoubtably meet someone more clever than they. Gambling will lead to no good.

-"Jim Baker's Bluejay Yarn." This is the story with the most elements of magical realism. What is the connection between man and bluejays? Bluejays are given anthropomorphic elements within the context of the story. Symbolic of man? The foolishness of man. Overstepping their boundaries? The way bluejays can laugh things off while man cannot? Man and bluejay both strive to attain the impossible? What is the significance of the bluejay? Is the bird indigenous to California? Perhaps it was exotic at the time? Representative of California? This story reminds me of Hercules trying to drink the ocean.... Relavent? 

Outline:

1. Introduction

2. California as a new and exciting place.

3. Distinguishing itself from its British and French counterparts.

- "How to tell a story"

- Punchlines

- Ambiguoty and interpretation.

- Freedom of thought. Freedom in general

4. Twain uses elements of magic realism to show a fantastic image of California.

- Bluejay

5. At the same time, Twain also warns against the dangers of California.

- Notorious Frog.

6. All of Twains stories are comical in nature. However, they are comical in an "American" or "Californian" way. Not dependant upon a punchline but rather the story itself. 

7. Conclusion

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Free Writer