The Ordeal of Mark Twain

by Van Wyck Brooks

"The Ordeal of Mark Twain" by Van Wyck Brooks is a literary biography written in the early 20th century. This work delves deeply into the complexities of Samuel Clemens, known as Mark Twain, particularly focusing on his later life and the philosophical despair he expressed even amidst his fame and success. Brooks explores Twain's character, his views on humanity, and the profound influences of both personal loss and societal change on his literary voice. At the start of the book, the author introduces Twain's pessimism, contrasting it with the public's perception of his career as a humorist and beloved figure. This opening portion discusses Twain's reflections on his life, the contradictions between his public persona and private despair, and the overarching theme of existential angst that marked his later writings. Brooks presents Twain as combatting an internal turmoil related to his artistic identity and his observations on the human condition, emphasized by various quotes and references to his relationships, particularly those with family members who faced their own tragedies.