The Autobiography of Mark Twain · Chapter
Friday, March 30, 1906 explained
Mark Twain presides at a meeting for the adult blind and reflects on the plight of blind individuals, the state's inadequate support, and the work of private associations.
What happens
Mark Twain presides at a meeting for the adult blind and reflects on the plight of blind individuals, the state's inadequate support, and the work of private associations. He recounts his first meeting with Helen Keller, her remarkable abilities, and her letter read at the meeting. He also writes a letter supporting the Russian revolution, expressing hope for the end of czarist rule.
Themes in this chapter
Mortality and Loss
Twain discusses the plight of the adult blind, who lose their sight and face a life of idleness and dependency, contrasting with their former capabilities.
Hypocrisy and Human Nature
Twain criticizes the state's conduct toward the adult blind as 'infamous,' highlighting the hypocrisy of providing education but no means of earning a living.
The American Experience
The chapter reflects on American civic responsibility and the role of private charity in addressing social issues, as well as Twain's support for the Russian revolution.
Characters to notice
- Mark Twain
Presides at the meeting for the adult blind, writes a letter supporting the Russian revolution, and recounts his first meeting with Helen Keller.
- Helen Keller
Ill in bed due to overwork for the blind, deaf, and dumb; writes a letter read at the meeting; Twain describes her as an immortal and recounts their first meeting.
- Henry H. Rogers
Attends the first meeting with Helen Keller at Laurence Hutton's house; Helen initially fails to recognize his hand due to his glove.
- William Dean Howells
Sits with Helen Keller and tells her a story during the gathering at Laurence Hutton's house.
- Joe Twichell
Mentioned indirectly as part of the gathering; not directly named in the excerpts but present in the context of the meeting.
Key passages
“You once told me you were a pessimist, Mr. Clemens, but great men are usually mistaken about themselves. You are an optimist.”
Helen Keller tells Twain that he is actually an optimist, despite his self-professed pessimism.
From Helen Keller's letter read at the meeting.
“I hope it will succeed, and now that I have talked with you I take heart to believe it will.”
Twain expresses hope for the success of the Russian revolution after speaking with Tchaykoffsky.
From Twain's letter to Tchaykoffsky, published in The New York Times.
“She will be as famous a thousand years from now as she is today.”
Twain predicts that Helen Keller's fame will endure for centuries.
Twain's reflection on Helen Keller's legacy.