# New York, Thursday, February 22, 1906 explained — The Autobiography of Mark Twain

> Chapter companion for The Autobiography of Mark Twain by Mark Twain.

## What happens

Twain reflects on Susy's biography of her grandfather Jervis Langdon, recounting memories of Mr. Atwater, a slow but beloved employee, and the story of Livy's restrained but forceful disapproval of Atwater. He then describes a recent dinner where he met David Gray Jr., which prompts a meditation on the meaning and value of human life, recalling his friendship with the elder David Gray, a poet whose life seemed wasted.

## Themes in this chapter

### Memory and Autobiography

Twain wanders freely through memories of Atwater, David Gray, and Susy's writings, emphasizing the autobiographical method.

### Mortality and Loss

Reflections on the deaths of Jervis Langdon, David Gray, and the existential question of life's purpose.

### Family and Domestic Life

Focus on the Langdon family dynamics, Livy's loyalty, and the household's response to Atwater.

## Character check-ins

### Mark Twain

Narrator and central figure, reflecting on past memories and recent events.

### Susy Clemens

Her biography of her grandfather Jervis Langdon is quoted and discussed.

### Jervis Langdon

Deceased father of Livy Clemens, remembered for his courage and generosity.

### Livy Clemens

Her gentle spirit and restrained language are highlighted in the Atwater anecdote.

### David Gray

Twain's friend from Buffalo, a poet and newspaper editor, later died in a railway disaster.

### Charles J. Langdon

Young Charley Langdon, who disliked Atwater and tried to turn Livy against him.

### John Hay

Mentioned as a companion in Buffalo beer mills with David Gray.

### Susan Langdon Crane

Aunt Susy, who wrote a letter about Jervis Langdon that Susy copied.

## Key lines

> In this autobiography it is my purpose to wander whenever I please and come back when I get ready.

Twain asserts his freedom to digress in his autobiography and return to the main topic at will.

_Illustrates Twain's narrative style and the chapter's structure._

> What was he born for? What was his father born for? What was I born for? What is anybody born for?

Twain ponders the purpose of human existence, prompted by meeting David Gray Jr.

_Central existential theme of the chapter._

> In her mouth that word 'disapprove' was as blighting and withering and devastating as another person's damn.

Livy's restrained language carried the same force as a curse from someone else.

_Highlights Livy's character and the humor in the Atwater anecdote._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-new-york-thursday-february-22-1906
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters