Speech on the Weather by Mark Twain
The work is a humorous and satirical speech delivered at a dinner event, focusing on the unpredictable and often extreme weather conditions of New England. The speaker begins by expressing a belief that while a divine creator is responsible for all things, the weather in New England is an exception, suggesting it is crafted by inexperienced apprentices. The speaker highlights the remarkable variety of weather experienced in the region, particularly in spring, where numerous weather types can occur within a single day. The speech critiques the romanticized notions of spring held by outsiders, who fail to grasp the local experience of the season. The speaker humorously describes the challenges faced by weather forecasters, who struggle to predict New England's capricious climate. The unpredictability is emphasized, with anecdotes illustrating how preparations for one type of weather often lead to unexpected outcomes. The speaker also comments on the disproportionate intensity of New England weather compared to its geographical size, suggesting that it often spills over into neighboring areas. A personal anecdote about the speaker's desire to enjoy the sound of rain on a tin roof serves to illustrate the irony of the weather's inconsistency. Despite the frustrations caused by the weather, the speaker acknowledges the beauty it can produce, particularly during autumn and ice storms. The description of ice-covered trees transforms into a vivid portrayal of nature's splendor, showcasing the dazzling effects of sunlight on ice. The speech concludes with a recognition that, despite its challenges, the unique weather of New England contributes to the region's charm and character, leaving a lasting impression on its inhabitants.
By Mark Twain · First published 1867 · Genre: Humor, Essay, Satire · 1,413 words
First lines
AT THE NEW ENGLAND SOCIETY'S SEVENTY-FIRST ANNUAL DINNER, NEW YORK CITY
The next toast was: "The Oldest Inhabitant -- The Weather of New / England."
Who can lose it and forget it? / Who can have it and regret it?
Be interposer 'twixt us Twain.
What this Textopian page supports
Speech on the Weather is listed on Textopian as an essay by Mark Twain, dated 1867 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Mark Twain
- Date: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor, Essay, Satire, Non-fiction, Regionalism
- Length: 1,413 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Speech on the Weather by Mark Twain
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Humor — The speech employs wit and satire to comment on the unpredictable nature of New England weather.
- Essay — It presents a reflective and personal exploration of weather, characteristic of essay writing.
- Satire — The work critiques the absurdities of weather predictions and societal expectations through exaggerated humor.
- Non-fiction — The speech is based on real observations and experiences related to weather in New England.
Tags
Satire · Humor · Social Commentary · Weather · Climate Change · Politics · Society · Culture · Irony · Absurdity · Fiction · Short Story