The Autobiography of Mark Twain · Chapter
New York, January 10, 1906 explained
Twain reflects on the nature of autobiography, arguing that life consists not of facts but of the storm of thoughts and feelings.
What happens
Twain reflects on the nature of autobiography, arguing that life consists not of facts but of the storm of thoughts and feelings. He discusses the Morris incident, where a Mrs. Morris was forcibly removed from the White House by President Roosevelt's secretary, and uses it to illuminate Roosevelt's impulsive character. Twain contrasts this with other major news of the day, noting how such incidents quickly lose significance.
Themes in this chapter
Memory and Autobiography
Twain discusses the nature of autobiography, emphasizing that it should capture the storm of thoughts and feelings rather than just facts.
Character and Morality
Twain uses the Morris incident to analyze President Roosevelt's character, highlighting his impulsiveness and sincerity.
Hypocrisy and Human Nature
Twain contrasts the public's fleeting attention to major events with the enduring value of character-revealing incidents.
Characters to notice
- Mark Twain
Narrator and autobiographer, reflecting on the nature of autobiography and commenting on current events.
- Theodore Roosevelt
President of the United States, characterized as impulsive and sincere, with his character illuminated by the Morris incident.
- Mrs. Morris
A lady of culture and refinement who was forcibly removed from the White House after seeking an interview with President Roosevelt.
- Grover Cleveland
Mentioned as a former president whose administration would not have handled the Morris incident in the same way.
- Abraham Lincoln
Mentioned as a former president whose secretaries would not have used the methods of Roosevelt's secretary.
Key passages
“life does not consist mainly—or even largely—of facts and happenings. It consists mainly of the storm of thoughts that is forever blowing through one's head.”
Life is primarily made up of the constant flow of thoughts, not just events or facts.
Twain's core philosophy on autobiography.
“The Morris incident is making a flurry in Congress, and for several days now it has been rioting through the imagination of the American nation and setting every tongue afire with excited talk.”
The Morris incident has captured the nation's attention and sparked widespread discussion in Congress.
Describes the public reaction to the Morris incident.
“Theodore Roosevelt is one of the most impulsive men in existence. That is the reason why he has impulsive secretaries.”
Roosevelt's impulsiveness is reflected in the behavior of his staff.
Twain's critique of Roosevelt's character.
“An autobiography that leaves out the little things and enumerates only the big ones is no proper picture of the man's life at all; his life consists of his feelings and his interests, with here and there an incident apparently big or little to hang the feelings on.”
A true autobiography must include small details and emotions, not just major events, to accurately portray a life.
Twain's argument for the importance of minor incidents in autobiography.