Each time period in art has its own special zest, which distinguishes it from other times. This is especially evident in literature and other tangible art, where a person traces history. In the novels, stories and poems of different times, there are sharp features that allow you to accurately restore the century to which the work belongs. Moreover, each country has its own style of writing and presentation. With the beginning of the formation of national literature, American authors developed their own presentation. Mark Twain and Walt Whitman are prominent representatives of 19th century American literature and reflect the culture through American humor and the ideals inherent in the people.
American culture and identity has been marked by a love of humor and funny stories since its inception. Mark Twain was an ardent representative of the humorous genre and in his essay How to Tell a Story vividly reproduces this national trait. The author explains that the form in which humor is presented is much more important to the American community. The content of the story in this case fades into the background and reveals the ability of Americans to intrigue and interest listeners. Twain explains his position by saying that he “have been almost daily in the company of the most expert story-tellers for many years” (Twain 21). This is what he operates as a representative of the American culture of that time. At the same time, Whitman focuses his attention as a representative of 19th century American society on metaphors, the Civil War and President Lincoln. The Civil War is an event familiar to every American, but in the literature of the 19th century this incident figured especially sharply. This reflects the essence of the poet as a representative of American culture.
Representatives of the American community are fascinated by the civil war as a way to fight for their rights and freedoms. In his poem, Whitman shows the American ideals and their pride in the battles won at that time. In the 19th century, Americans fought for their lives and were not afraid to die, which the author confirms in the lines “It is some dream that on the deck /You’ve fallen cold and dead” (Whitman, lines 15-16). Unlike Mark Twain, Whitman does not operate with American humor and the ability to tell stories characteristic of the inhabitants of the country. The 19th century became a turning point in the consciousness of society as a society free from oppression and prejudice, which is the motive for many works of the corresponding time. Thus, the author pays tribute to American courage and proclaims “Rise up-for you the flag is flung-for you the bugle trills” (Whitman, line 10). This is how Whitman sees the American society of his time and vividly conveys the image through his poem.
In conclusion, it should be noted that Mark Twain and Walt Whitman show themselves as representatives of the same culture from different sides. The essays of Mark Twain are aimed at showing the ability of Americans to be good storytellers, humorists and craftsmen and treat life with humor. He notes the special presentation of content characteristic of his people and their constant high spirits. At the same time, Walt Whitman represents the side of identity that stands up for the freedom and equality of the entire American people.
Works Cited
Twain, Mark. How to tell a story and others. Read Books Ltd, 2016.
Whitman, Walt. The Works of Walt Whitman. Wordsworth Editions, 1995.