1. SAMUEL CLEMENS 1835-1910

2. MARK TWAIN CONSIDERED ONE OF AMERICA’S GREATEST LITERARY VOICES GREW UP ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER IN MISSOURI TRAINED AS A RIVER PILOT WHERE HE SPENT 4 YEARS ON THE RIVER PANNED FOR GOLD IN THE AMERICAN WEST LATER IN LIFE, TWAIN HAD MANY UNSUCCESSFUL BUSINESS VENTURES AND FACED BANKRUPTCY LOST 2 DAUGHTERS AND HIS WIFE

3.  Dialect – the distinct form of language spoken in one geographic area or by a particular group.  Purpose –  To establish setting  Provide local color – brings a region alive by portraying its dress, mannerisms, customs, speech  To develop characters

4.  Tall tale – distinctively American form of storytelling  Outlandish characters and events  Funny  Tries to fool or impress the reader using hyperbole, understatement, and local color  Hyperbole – exaggeration  Understatement – downplays the significance of the outlandish, often to ironic or humorous effect