Information Wanted by Mark Twain
The narrative follows an individual seeking tranquility and a simple life, primarily through land ownership and farming. The protagonist's uncle, characterized by his industriousness and desire for peace, has faced a series of misfortunes while attempting to establish a farm on various islands, particularly St. Thomas. His experiences include theft, illness, natural disasters, and the challenges of navigating bureaucratic systems, all of which thwart his aspirations for a quiet existence. Initially, the uncle travels to St. Thomas with government funds to purchase the island, only to have his money stolen by sailors. After recovering from a severe illness caused by tropical fevers, he attempts to start a farm, but a storm washes away his efforts. Undeterred, he invests in a mountain farm, which is subsequently destroyed by an earthquake. His attempts to establish a brickyard are similarly thwarted when a volcano elevates his bricks, leaving him unable to retrieve them. Despite these setbacks, the uncle remains hopeful and continues to seek a suitable location for his farming ambitions. He explores Alaska but is driven away by aggressive bears, leading him back to St. Thomas. However, he grows disillusioned with the island's lack of peace and inquires about the potential purchase of Porto Rico, hoping it might offer the quiet life he desires. The work satirizes the absurdity of the uncle's relentless pursuit of peace amidst a backdrop of chaos and natural disasters, highlighting the futility of his efforts and the unpredictability of life. The narrative serves as a commentary on human resilience, the desire for stability, and the often ironic nature of fate.
By Mark Twain · First published 1863 · Genre: Satire, Humor, Fiction · 931 words
First lines
"WASHINGTON, December 10, 1867.
"Could you give me any information respecting such islands, if any, as the government is going to purchase?"
What this Textopian page supports
Information Wanted is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mark Twain, dated 1863 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Mark Twain
- Date: 1863 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Humor, Fiction, Social Commentary, Adventure
- Length: 931 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Satire — The work employs humor and irony to critique societal norms and government actions.
- Humor — The narrative uses comedic elements and absurd situations to entertain and engage the reader.
- Fiction — The story is a fictional account that explores the experiences of a character in various settings.
- Social Commentary — The text reflects on human nature, government inefficiency, and the pursuit of a peaceful life.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · American Literature · 19th Century · Fiction · Short Story Collection · Irony · Sarcasm · Critique of Society · Commentary on Technology · Historical Context