Roughing It - Chapter 14

Submitted by scott on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 00:12
The Contractors Before the King

A demonstration of Brigham Young's authority is illustrated by example. Mark's reaction to polygamy.

Roughing It - Chapter 13

Submitted by scott on Mon, 04/18/2011 - 23:59
Effects of Valley Tan

Mark and party arrive in Salt Lake City. He is impressed by the industry and cleanliness of the place. He takes part in a meeting with Brigham Young.

The War Prayer

Submitted by scott on Wed, 04/13/2011 - 10:31

The War Prayer is a powerful piece of writing not generally mentioned in lists of works by Mark Twain. It was written in 1904, after the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War. It is one reflection of Twain's well known distain for American Imperialism. The piece was not published until after Twain's death due to pressure from both his publisher and family. It is said that when requested to publish it he said: "No, I have told the whole truth in that, and only dead men can tell the truth in this world. It can be published after I am dead."

Roughing It - Chapter 12

Submitted by scott on Sat, 04/09/2011 - 12:20
The Parted Stream

Mark enters into the Rocky Mountains on their way to Salt Lake City. His descriptions of the scenery are enough to recommend this chapter.

Roughing It - Chapter 11

Submitted by scott on Fri, 04/08/2011 - 12:08
Slade in Court

The Division Superintendent becomes too much for the general population. He is arrested, tried and executed. Mark speculates on the nature of courage in light of the manner of Slade's execution. His pleading for mercy appears as a contradiction to previously displayed courage.

Roughing It - Chapter 10

Submitted by scott on Thu, 04/07/2011 - 13:21
A Proposed Fist Fight

We are introduced to a rather notorious Division Agent, Slade. His adventures related here were perhaps too violent for some of the attending audience at this reading. Several vanished before it was through.

Roughing It - Chapter 9

Submitted by scott on Sun, 04/03/2011 - 23:45
Indian Country

Mark now finds himself in Indian Country and becomes very apprehensive. However, the only violence he personally encounters is between station personnel and a stagecoach driver.

Roughing It - Chapter 8

Submitted by scott on Sun, 04/03/2011 - 11:50
Here He Comes

Mark has a brief encounter with a Pony Express rider. He discovers alkali water which somehow elevates him above the folks back home, experiencing the unusual. This he equates with site seers in the Alps venturing onto heights where they should not be.

Roughing It - Chapter 7

Submitted by scott on Sun, 04/03/2011 - 00:58
Crossing the Platte

Mark's traveling companion, Bemis, has an amazing escape from a buffalo. Believe it or not.