Mark Twain “Corn-Pone Opinions”

Warm Up 13 Things You Think Are True, But Aren't How many of these have you heard of/believed were true at one point in time? Why do you think these have been perpetuated? What does this reveal about people’s inclination to believe each other over facts, science, or logic?

Mark Twain Basic Bio His real name was really Samuel Langhorne Clemens “Mark twain” is a steamboating term that is used to measure water depth. Born in a year when Halley’s Comet came around (1835) and died 75 years later when it again appeared (1910). He is one of the most famous American writers. Huckleberry Finn is still considered one of the greatest American novels. Hemingway said of him that “all modern American literature comes from [Twain].”

Mark Twain’s Life Twain was born in a Southern slave state but traveled extensively. He lived most of his life in San Francisco and visited Europe and the Middle East. He said of travel that it was “fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” What does the above quote mean? What does it tell us about Twain?

Twain’s Style Many of his stories focus on the American south where he uses his humor and morals to critique social injustice He is well known for his use of regional dialect that shows the true patterns of speech his characters would have. This type of writing is often referred to as “local color” writing. Like Chopin, then, he fits squarely into the regionalist movement. Unlike Chopin, Twain used satire and humor to point out humanity’s faults.

Background on “Corn-Pone Opinions” In an essay not published until several years after his death, humorist Mark Twain examines the effects of social pressures on our thoughts and beliefs. "Corn-Pone Opinions" is "presented as an argument," says Professor Ann M. Fox, "not a sermon. Rhetorical questions, elevated language, and short, clipped declarations . . . are part of this strategy.” Notice how the argument is built through rhetorical modes. And corn-pone? Basically it’s un-sweet cornbread. A cheap, easy to prepare dietary staple.

Corn-poning Summarize Twain’s use of narration in the first 16 lines. Why does he tell this story? What is he trying to prove? How does Twain describe Jerry (the slave Twain says preached to him when he was younger)? What does the description tell you about Jerry? Explain Twain’s use of exemplification with the hoopskirt. What is he trying to prove? Twain lists several sects of religion in lines 40-43. Are these examples varied enough to prove whatever point Twain is trying to prove? What is he trying to prove? According to Twain, what are the causes that make us conformists in our opinions, that force us to develop “corn-pone opinions”? Do you agree with Twain? Explain.

Satirical Twain Definition: The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices How does Twain’s essay qualify as satire? Identify quotes that represent the use of satire in the essay. Create a political cartoon of modern society that represents Twain’s thesis. Explain how your cartoon is an accurate representation on the back.

Twain’s claim Of the following statements, which most closely identifies Twain’s thesis? Society demands conformity in order to maintain social order. Individuals must break free of conformist thought in order to become truly liberated. The majority of opinions and beliefs are not made through honest thought but by the desire to be safe and accepted. All beliefs are correct as long as the individual has approval from society for that belief. Once you have decided which thesis you think is correct, gather at least three passages (textual evidence) to prove your thesis. In gathering your evidence, think about what sort of rhetorical techniques (figurative language, syntax structure, rhetorical modes, rhetorical appeals) Twain uses in the passage you’ve identified.