The Autobiography of Mark Twain · Chapter
Wednesday, February 7, 1906 explained
Mark Twain reflects on a critical review from the Daily Graphic regarding his collaborative work with Charles Dudley Warner, and laments the enduring and inaccurate descriptions of his appearance by critics, which often compared him to Petr
What happens
Mark Twain reflects on a critical review from the Daily Graphic regarding his collaborative work with Charles Dudley Warner, and laments the enduring and inaccurate descriptions of his appearance by critics, which often compared him to Petroleum Vesuvius Nasby. He then turns to the cherished biography written by his daughter Susy Clemens when she was thirteen, reading her affectionate and honest portrayal of him, and recalling the pride and deep emotion it still evokes.
Themes in this chapter
Memory and Autobiography
Twain revisits old notebooks and clippings, and treasures Susy's childhood biography as a personal historical record.
Mortality and Loss
Twain reflects on Susy's death, noting that her hand 'will not touch mine again,' adding pathos to his memories.
Hypocrisy and Human Nature
Twain criticizes the dishonest review by the Daily Graphic and the herd mentality of critics who copied the false description of his appearance.
Family and Domestic Life
The chapter centers on Susy's loving biography and the domestic scene of Twain telling stories to his daughters.
Characters to notice
- Mark Twain
Narrates the chapter, reflecting on critical reviews and his daughter's biography.
- Susy Clemens
Her childhood biography of her father is quoted and lovingly discussed.
- Clara Clemens
Mentioned as sitting with Susy on Twain's chair arms during story-telling.
- Livy Clemens
Discovered Susy's hidden biography and showed it to Twain.
- Petroleum Vesuvius Nasby
Critics repeatedly compared Twain's appearance to Nasby's, a comparison Twain resented.
- Charles Dudley Warner
Co-author with Twain; the Daily Graphic accused Twain of using his name to float their joint book.
- John RoBards
Schoolmate who always wore the amiability medal; Twain traded medals with him.
Key passages
“This reptile published a review of the book within three days afterward, I could not really complain, because he had only given me his word of honor as security.”
The editor of the Daily Graphic broke his promise not to review the book early, but Twain felt he couldn't object since he only had the editor's word as guarantee.
Twain expresses bitter humor about the editor's betrayal.
“I have had no compliment, no praise, no tribute from any source, that was so precious to me as this one was and still is.”
Susy's biography remains the most valuable praise Twain has ever received.
Twain emphasizes the enduring emotional significance of his daughter's work.
“It is Susy's spelling, and she was doing the best she could—and nothing could better it for me.”
Twain refuses to correct Susy's spelling errors because they are part of her authentic expression and he loves them as they are.
Twain's protective love for Susy's original text.
