The Autobiography of Mark Twain · Chapter
New York, Thursday, February 8, 1906 explained
Twain continues reading from Susy's biography, which reveals his peculiar gait, his love of cats, his use of strong language, and his difficulty with simple puzzles.
What happens
Twain continues reading from Susy's biography, which reveals his peculiar gait, his love of cats, his use of strong language, and his difficulty with simple puzzles. He recounts his role as romancer to his children, weaving impromptu tales from household objects. The chapter culminates in a long, humorous anecdote about a burglar alarm that finally works, leading to a burglary where Twain loses his overcoat, umbrella, and shoes.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Domestic Life
Twain's interactions with his wife and children, including Susy's biography and Clara's story requests, highlight the warmth and humor of family life.
Character and Morality
Susy's frank biography reveals Twain's character flaws—his strong language, impatience with puzzles, and his humorous but honest self-assessment.
Hypocrisy and Human Nature
Twain's burglar alarm anecdote satirizes human nature, as he calmly theorizes about the burglar's motives instead of taking action.
Characters to notice
- Mark Twain
Narrator and subject of Susy's biography; reflects on his quirks, his role as a romancer, and his experience with the burglar alarm.
- Susy Clemens
Author of the biography being read; provides frank observations about her father's habits and personality.
- Livy Clemens
Twain's wife; calls him 'Youth' and tries to explain the burglar alarm's logic to him.
- Clara Clemens
Young daughter who once demanded a story about a plumber and a 'bawgun stricter' (boa constrictor).
- F. G. Whitmore
Twain's business agent; mentioned as bringing a perplexing matter to Twain.
Key passages
“Papa has a peculiar gait we like, it seems just to sute him, but most people do not; he always walks up and down the room while thinking and between each coarse at meals.”
Susy notes that her father has a distinctive walk that his family enjoys, though others find it odd; he paces while thinking and between courses at meals.
Susy's observation about Twain's gait and habit of pacing.
“Papa is very fond of animals particularly of cats, we had a dear little gray kitten once that he named 'Lazy' (papa always wears gray to match his hair and eyes) and he would carry him around on his shoulder, it was a mighty pretty sight!”
Susy describes her father's love for cats, noting he once carried a gray kitten named Lazy on his shoulder, matching his gray hair and coat.
Twain's affection for cats, as recorded by Susy.
“Papa uses very strong language, but I have an idea not nearly so strong as when he first maried mamma.”
Susy observes that her father's swearing has mellowed since his marriage.
Susy's frank comment on Twain's language.
“I am a mugwump and a mugwump is pure from the marrow out.”
Twain declares himself a political independent (mugwump), claiming purity of principle.
Twain's self-identification as a mugwump, recorded by Susy.
“I could not be of any assistance. Let him select for himself.”
Twain tells his wife he will not go downstairs to confront the burglar, preferring to let the thief take what he wants.
Twain's humorous nonchalance during the burglary.
