Mark Twain’s “The American Claimant” is a satirical novel that explores the themes of identity, class, and wealth in American society. The novel follows the story of Colonel Mulberry Sellers, a man who believes he is the rightful heir to a British earldom and travels to England to claim his title and fortune. Along the way, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters and gets caught up in a series of hilarious misadventures. In this concise summary, we will explore the main plot points and themes of Twain’s novel.
Background Information
Mark Twain’s “The American Claimant” was first published in 1892. It is a satirical novel that explores the themes of identity, class, and social mobility in America during the late 19th century. The story follows the adventures of an American named Colonel Mulberry Sellers, who believes he is the rightful heir to an English earldom. The novel is set in both America and England and features a cast of eccentric characters, including a con artist, a wealthy widow, and a group of American tourists. Twain’s witty and humorous writing style is on full display in “The American Claimant,” making it a beloved classic of American literature.
The Plot
The American Claimant is a novel by Mark Twain that tells the story of Colonel Mulberry Sellers, a man who believes he is the rightful heir to an English earldom. The plot follows Sellers as he travels to England with his wife and daughter to claim his title and fortune. Along the way, he meets a young American named Washington Hawkins, who is also claiming an English title. The two men become friends and decide to work together to achieve their goals. However, their plans are complicated by the arrival of a mysterious woman who claims to be the true heir to the earldom. As the story unfolds, the characters must navigate a web of deceit and betrayal to uncover the truth about their claims and secure their rightful place in society. With its witty dialogue and engaging characters, The American Claimant is a classic tale of ambition, greed, and the pursuit of wealth and status.
Main Characters
The American Claimant, written by Mark Twain, features a cast of memorable characters. The main character is Colonel Mulberry Sellers, a charming and eccentric man who believes he is the rightful heir to an English earldom. He is joined by his daughter, the beautiful and intelligent Washington Hawkins, who serves as his confidante and advisor. Other notable characters include the scheming lawyer, Lord Berkeley, and the kind-hearted but naive Englishman, the Earl of Rossmore. Together, these characters navigate the complexities of inheritance and social status, leading to a hilarious and unexpected conclusion.
Setting
The American Claimant is set in England during the late 19th century. The story takes place in the fictional town of Dawson’s Landing, which is based on Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. The town is described as a sleepy, idyllic place where nothing much happens. However, the arrival of the American Claimant, Colonel Mulberry Sellers, shakes things up. The story also takes the characters to London, where they encounter the upper echelons of British society. Twain’s descriptions of both settings are vivid and detailed, giving readers a sense of what life was like in England during this time period.
Themes
One of the main themes of “The American Claimant” is the idea of identity and how it can be manipulated or misunderstood. The protagonist, Colonel Mulberry Sellers, is a man who constantly reinvents himself and his past in order to fit in with different social circles. He claims to be a descendant of royalty and even goes so far as to change his name to match his supposed lineage. However, his true identity is eventually revealed, and he is forced to confront the consequences of his deception.
Another theme in the novel is the idea of wealth and its corrupting influence. Many of the characters in the story are motivated by money and will do whatever it takes to acquire it. This is exemplified by the character of Washington Hawkins, who becomes obsessed with the idea of inheriting a fortune and spends much of the novel scheming to make it happen. Ultimately, he learns that money cannot buy happiness and that true wealth lies in the relationships we have with others.
Finally, “The American Claimant” explores the concept of social class and the ways in which it can both divide and unite people. The novel takes place in a time when social status was of utmost importance, and characters are constantly jockeying for position in the social hierarchy. However, the story also shows how people from different backgrounds can come together and form meaningful connections despite their differences. This is exemplified by the relationship between Colonel Sellers and his English cousin, Lord Berkeley, who initially seem to have nothing in common but eventually become close friends.
Symbolism
Symbolism plays a significant role in Mark Twain’s novel, The American Claimant. One of the most prominent symbols in the book is the character of Colonel Mulberry Sellers. He represents the American dream and the idea of upward mobility. However, his constant scheming and desire for wealth also highlight the darker side of this dream. Another symbol in the novel is the Mississippi River, which represents the journey of the characters and the constant flow of life. The river also serves as a reminder of the past and the history of the United States. Overall, the use of symbolism in The American Claimant adds depth and meaning to the story, allowing readers to explore the themes and ideas presented in the novel.
Irony
Irony is a literary device that is often used to create a humorous or satirical effect. In Mark Twain’s novel, The American Claimant, irony is used throughout the story to highlight the absurdity of the characters’ actions and beliefs. One example of this is the character Colonel Mulberry Sellers, who is convinced that he is the rightful heir to an English estate. Despite his lack of evidence and the fact that he has never even been to England, he is determined to claim his inheritance. This is ironic because Sellers is a quintessentially American character, with all of the brashness and confidence that entails. His belief in his own entitlement to the estate is a reflection of the American belief in individualism and self-determination, but it is also a commentary on the absurdity of such beliefs when taken to their extreme. The irony in The American Claimant serves to highlight the contradictions and complexities of American society, and to poke fun at the foibles of its citizens.
Humor
Mark Twain’s “The American Claimant” is a hilarious satire that pokes fun at the American obsession with titles and aristocracy. The story follows the adventures of Colonel Mulberry Sellers, a man who believes he is the rightful heir to an English earldom. Despite his lack of knowledge about English customs and traditions, Sellers is determined to claim his title and become a member of the aristocracy. Along the way, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters, including a group of American tourists who are also obsessed with titles and a scheming lawyer who tries to take advantage of Sellers’ naivety. Twain’s witty dialogue and clever plot twists make “The American Claimant” a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh.
Conflict
In “The American Claimant,” Mark Twain explores the theme of conflict through the character of Colonel Mulberry Sellers. Sellers is a man who constantly finds himself in conflict with others, whether it be his family, his business partners, or even the law. His desire for wealth and status often leads him to make questionable decisions, which ultimately result in his downfall.
One of the main conflicts in the novel is between Sellers and his wife, who disapproves of his schemes and dreams of grandeur. This conflict is further complicated by the arrival of an imposter claiming to be the rightful heir to an English title and fortune. Sellers sees this as an opportunity to elevate his own status and becomes embroiled in a legal battle to prove the imposter’s claim.
Throughout the novel, Twain uses humor and satire to highlight the absurdity of Sellers’ actions and the societal pressures that drive him. The conflict between Sellers and his wife, for example, is a commentary on the gender roles and expectations of the time. Similarly, the imposter’s claim to nobility exposes the arbitrary nature of class distinctions and the lengths people will go to attain them.
Overall, “The American Claimant” is a witty and insightful exploration of conflict and its consequences. Through the character of Colonel Sellers, Twain offers a critique of American society and its obsession with wealth and status.
Climax
In the climax of “The American Claimant,” Colonel Mulberry Sellers finally reveals the truth about his claim to the British earldom. He admits that he is not actually the rightful heir, but rather a distant cousin who was mistakenly identified as the true heir. This revelation causes chaos and disappointment among the characters, as they had all been hoping to benefit from the supposed inheritance. However, the true heir is eventually found and the matter is resolved, leading to a satisfying conclusion for all involved. This climax serves as a reminder that honesty and integrity are always the best policy, even in the face of potential wealth and power.
Resolution
In the end, the American Claimant, Colonel Mulberry Sellers, is revealed to be the rightful heir to an English earldom. However, he decides to renounce his claim and return to America with his newfound love, the beautiful and wealthy Lady Gwendolen. The novel ends with the couple sailing off into the sunset, leaving behind the aristocratic world that had once captivated them. The resolution of the story is bittersweet, as the characters must give up their dreams of wealth and status, but ultimately find happiness in each other’s company. Twain’s message is clear: true happiness cannot be found in material possessions or social status, but in the relationships we form with those we love.
Writing Style
Mark Twain’s writing style in “The American Claimant” is characterized by his trademark humor and wit. He uses satire to poke fun at the social norms and customs of the time, particularly those of the upper class. Twain’s use of colloquial language and dialects also adds to the authenticity of the characters and their backgrounds. Additionally, he employs a non-linear narrative structure, jumping back and forth between different characters and their perspectives. This keeps the reader engaged and adds to the overall comedic effect of the story. Overall, Twain’s writing style in “The American Claimant” is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a classic example of his literary genius.
Critical Reception
The American Claimant received mixed reviews upon its initial publication in 1892. Some critics praised Twain’s humor and satire, while others found the novel disjointed and lacking in plot. The New York Times called it “a curious and entertaining book,” but also noted that “it is not altogether successful.” The Atlantic Monthly criticized the novel’s lack of coherence, stating that “the story is a mere framework for the introduction of a number of characters and incidents, and the author seems to have been content to string these together without much regard for their logical sequence.” Despite these criticisms, The American Claimant remains a popular work of Twain’s and is often studied for its commentary on American society and culture during the Gilded Age.
Historical Context
In order to fully understand Mark Twain’s novel, The American Claimant, it is important to consider the historical context in which it was written. The novel was published in 1892, a time when the United States was experiencing significant economic growth and social change. The country was recovering from the Panic of 1893, a severe economic depression that had caused widespread unemployment and financial hardship. At the same time, the country was also grappling with issues of race and identity, as the legacy of slavery and the Civil War continued to shape American society. Against this backdrop, Twain’s novel explores themes of class, identity, and the American Dream, offering a satirical commentary on the contradictions and complexities of American life.
Cultural Significance
The American Claimant is a novel that holds significant cultural importance in American literature. It was published in 1892, during a time when the United States was experiencing rapid industrialization and social change. The novel explores themes of identity, class, and the American Dream, which were all relevant issues during this time period. Additionally, the novel’s satirical tone and use of humor reflect the cultural shift towards a more lighthearted and irreverent approach to literature. The American Claimant remains a valuable piece of American literature that offers insight into the cultural and social climate of the late 19th century.
Comparisons to Other Works by Mark Twain
Mark Twain is known for his witty and satirical writing style, and The American Claimant is no exception. However, when compared to some of his other works, such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn or The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The American Claimant may not be as well-known or widely read.
One key difference between The American Claimant and Twain’s more famous works is the setting. While Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer take place in the American South, The American Claimant is set in England. Additionally, the plot of The American Claimant revolves around a man who believes he is the rightful heir to an English title and fortune, whereas Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer focus on the adventures of young boys in America.
Despite these differences, The American Claimant still showcases Twain’s trademark humor and social commentary. The novel satirizes the English aristocracy and their obsession with titles and wealth, while also poking fun at American tourists who try to imitate English customs.
Overall, while The American Claimant may not be as well-known as some of Twain’s other works, it still offers a unique perspective on English society and showcases Twain’s wit and satire.
Adaptations
One of the most notable adaptations of “The American Claimant” is the 1926 silent film of the same name, directed by J. Stuart Blackton and starring Will Rogers as Colonel Mulberry Sellers. The film deviates from the original plot in several ways, including the addition of a romantic subplot and the omission of certain characters and events. However, it still captures the humor and satire of Twain’s novel and remains a beloved adaptation among fans of both Twain and early cinema. Other adaptations of “The American Claimant” include a 1951 radio play and a 1986 made-for-TV movie.
Impact on Literature
The American Claimant, a novel by Mark Twain, had a significant impact on literature. It was one of the first novels to explore the theme of identity and the American Dream. The novel tells the story of an American who inherits an English title and estate, and the challenges he faces in adapting to his new life. Twain’s use of humor and satire in the novel was groundbreaking and influenced many writers who followed him. The American Claimant also highlighted the social and economic differences between America and England, which was a topic of great interest at the time. Overall, The American Claimant remains an important work in American literature and continues to be studied and appreciated by readers today.