The Autobiography of Mark Twain · Chapter
New York, Tuesday, February 13, 1906 explained
Twentieth continues reading from Susy's biography, which recounts his early meeting with Livy Langdon and her childhood paralysis.
What happens
Twentieth continues reading from Susy's biography, which recounts his early meeting with Livy Langdon and her childhood paralysis. He then digresses into his own boyhood experience as a Cadet of Temperance, his struggle with tobacco abstinence, and the story of Doctor Newton's controversial treatment of Livy.
Themes in this chapter
Memory and Autobiography
Twentieth reads from Susy's biography and reflects on his own past, blending personal recollection with his daughter's account.
Family and Domestic Life
The chapter centers on family relationships: Susy's writing, Livy's illness, and the Langdon family's care for her.
Hypocrisy and Human Nature
Twentieth humorously describes the Cadet of Temperance as more about the red sash than the pledge, and his own failed reforms.
Characters to notice
- Mark Twain
Narrates the chapter, reflecting on his past reforms, his Cadet of Temperance experience, and his first meeting with Livy Langdon.
- Susy Clemens
Her biography of her father is read aloud, providing details of his early life and his meeting with Livy.
- Livy Clemens
Described as an invalid in her youth due to a fall on ice; her meeting with Mark Twain and her treatment by Doctor Newton are recounted.
- Orion Clemens
Mentioned as Mark Twain's brother who was appointed Secretary of the State of Nevada.
- Charles J. Langdon
Referred to as Uncle Charlie, who introduced Mark Twain to Livy Langdon.
- Jervis Langdon
Mentioned as Livy's father, who invited Mark Twain to dine at the St. Nicholas Hotel.
- Susan Langdon Crane
Referred to as Aunt Susie, Livy's sister.
- Doctor John
Doctor Newton, the controversial healer who treated Livy Langdon's paralysis.
Key passages
“I had not smoked for three full months, and no words can adequately describe the smoke appetite that was consuming me.”
After three months without smoking, Twain was overwhelmed by a powerful craving for tobacco.
Twentieth describes his intense desire to smoke after resigning from the Cadets of Temperance.
“Newton opened the windows—long darkened—and delivered a short fervent prayer; then he put an arm behind her shoulders and said, 'Now we will sit up, my child.'”
Doctor Newton let in light, prayed briefly, and then helped Livy sit up for the first time in two years.
The dramatic moment of Doctor Newton's treatment of Livy Langdon's paralysis.