Mark Twain's Critical Perspective on Jane Austen: A Comparative Analysis of Literature Styles

Mark Twain, known for his rich, adventurous, and often humorous narratives, had a notably critical opinion of the works of Jane Austen. In his essay titled Lack of Realism, Twain articulated his dissatisfaction with Austen's approach to literature, highlighting significant differences in their literary styles and values.

Twain's Critiques

Twain's critique of Jane Austen was multifaceted, rooted in a profound contrast of literary styles and values. The central issue Twain identified was the lack of realism in Austen's work. He believed that Austen's characters and plots were too focused on the manners and social customs of her time, falling short of the depth and complexity that Twain valued in literature.

Dialogue and Characterization

A particularly notable aspect of Twain's critique was his dissatisfaction with Austen's characters and dialogue. Twain felt that the characters in Austen's novels were often one-dimensional, failing to reflect the true nature of human conversation which he believed to be more varied and nuanced. This perspective is significant because it highlights how Twain emphasized the importance of authentic, complex dialogue in literature.

Moralizing Tone

Another key point of contention between Twain and Austen was the moralizing tone and overly idealized view of life presented in Austen's works. Twain accused Austen of presenting an overly idealized perspective that detracted from the authenticity of her storytelling. This critique reflects Twain's emphasis on realism and the portrayal of complex, nuanced human experiences.

Absence of Adventure

Twain himself was known for his adventurous and humor-filled narratives, and he found Austen's novels to be too static and lacking in excitement. He was particularly averse to the domestic and social commentaries that characterized Austen's works. Twain's preference for dynamic and realistic storytelling clashed with Austen's focus on social commentary and domestic life.

Personal Context and Guilt by Association

Given these critiques, it is interesting to speculate about the personal context behind Twain's views. It is possible that the criticism was partly motivated by a desire to distance himself from what he considered outdated literary styles and values. Furthermore, it is humorous to consider whether Mark Twain's wife and daughters, who were known for enjoying Austen's works, might have influenced his opinion. Could he have been exasperated at his wife getting lost in Austen's books, leading to his outburst?

It is also worth noting that Twain and Austen were two distinctly different authors. Austen was a miniaturist, focusing on the interior lives of young women and domestic settings. Twain, on the other hand, wrote about young males in vast, wild, and open spaces, capturing a sense of adventure and exploration that resonates in his works such as Roughing It and Life on the Mississippi.

Relatability and Appreciation

Notably, Aunt Polly, Becky Thatcher, and the Widow Douglas, characters from Twain's work, would appreciate the ladies portrayed in Austen's novels because they could relate to the domestic and social contexts. Conversely, a character like Charles Musgrove from Persuasion would likely have enjoyed Twain's character Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, and the broader adventures described in works like Roughing It and Life on the Mississippi, which directly explore and exhibit a spirit of adventure.

This comparative analysis of Mark Twain's critique of Jane Austen underscores the diversity and richness of literature, and how different authors offer unique perspectives and experiences to their readers. Whether through domestic dramas or adventures, each author brings a unique lens to the world of literature.