LINGUISTIC INNOVATION AND STYLISTIC CRAFT IN THE WORKS OF MARK TWAIN
Keywords:
Mark Twain, linguistic innovation, stylistic craft, vernacular speech, regional dialects, narrative voice, irony, humor, social critique, American literature.Abstract
This study examines Mark Twain’s linguistic innovation and stylistic craft in his literary works, emphasizing the interplay between language, narrative technique, and social commentary. Twain’s use of vernacular speech, regional dialects, and colloquial expressions contributes to authentic character development and vivid depictions of 19th-century American society. His narrative strategies, including first-person retrospection, unreliable narration, and irony, enable subtle critique of social norms, moral dilemmas, and cultural practices. Humor and satire further enhance his stylistic sophistication, making complex social and ethical issues accessible to readers. By integrating linguistic creativity with narrative and rhetorical techniques, Twain establishes a distinctive literary voice that has had a lasting influence on American literature and subsequent literary movements. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of his techniques, illustrating the enduring relevance of Twain’s linguistic and stylistic innovations.
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References
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