The Autobiography of Mark Twain · Chapter
Stevenson, Aldrich, etc. explained
Mark Twain recounts a pleasant outing with Robert Louis Stevenson in Washington Square, Florence, where they discuss literary reputations, the wit of Thomas Bailey Aldrich, and coin the phrase 'submerged renown' after Stevenson's encounter
What happens
Mark Twain recounts a pleasant outing with Robert Louis Stevenson in Washington Square, Florence, where they discuss literary reputations, the wit of Thomas Bailey Aldrich, and coin the phrase 'submerged renown' after Stevenson's encounter with the little-known but massively popular author Davis.
Themes in this chapter
Character and Morality
Twain's praise of Aldrich's consistent brilliance and the discussion of surface versus submerged reputation reflect judgments of character and integrity.
The American Experience
The concept of 'submerged renown' and the story of Davis highlight the divide between popular and elite literary culture in America.
Characters to notice
- Mark Twain
Narrator and participant in the conversation with Stevenson.
- Robert Louis Stevenson
Seen on a bench in Washington Square; described as frail with splendid eyes; discusses literary fame and the concept of 'submerged renown.'
- Thomas Bailey Aldrich
Praised by Twain as always witty and brilliant, with unmatched felicity of phrasing.
- Bret Harte
Mentioned as good company but not brilliant, contrasted with Aldrich.
Key passages
“Aldrich was always witty, always brilliant, if there was anybody present capable of striking his flint at the right angle; that Aldrich was as sure and prompt and unfailing as the red-hot iron on the blacksmith's anvil—you had only to hit it competently to make it deliver an explosion of sparks.”
Aldrich was consistently witty and brilliant, but only when someone could spark his cleverness; he was as reliable as a blacksmith's anvil—strike it right and sparks fly.
Twain's vivid metaphor for Aldrich's responsive wit.
“A surface reputation, however great, is always mortal, and always killable if you go at it right—with pins and needles, and quiet slow poison, not with the club and the tomahawk. But it is a different matter with the submerged reputation—down in the deep water; once a favorite there, always a favorite; once beloved, always beloved, once respected, always respected, honored, and believed in.”
A reputation at the surface is fragile and can be destroyed by subtle attacks, but a reputation in the depths—among the common readers—is permanent and immune to criticism.
Stevenson's explanation of 'submerged renown' and the durability of popularity among the working class.