Mark Twain and the Feminine Aesthetic

by Peter Stoneley

• ISBN13: 9780521102285
• ISBN10: 0521102286
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-12-18
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

This book traces the ways in which Mark Twain was formed by, and sought to manipulate, the ideology of gender. Feminine and masculine values exist via their opposition to and interplay with each other, and Twain, a representative masculine figure, provides a useful focal point for an exploration of the subject. Not only did Twain address himself directly to the conflicting and complementary aspects of gendered culture, but his models of history are strongly marked by the same issue: his exploitation of North/male - South/female associations is investigated, as well as the significance of individual figures such as Joan of Arc. Stoneley considers the range of Twain's writing, including classic works such as Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, genteel fiction such as The Prince and the Pauper and embittered autobiographical fragments. Twain's preoccupation with the nature and value of the 'feminine' has long been recognised as a central feature of his writing. Stoneley goes beyond generalizations to provide a detailed analysis; his book will be of interest to scholars and students of American literature, cultural history and gender studies.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

List of illustrations

Introduction

Mark Twain's early career

The Mississippi Valley

The Prince and the Pauper and Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc

A Horse's Tale and Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer among the Indians

Mark Twain and Mary Baker Eddy

'To the Unborn Reader'

Conclusion

Note on the texts and list of abbreviations

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.