1. Observational Essay – American Lit. II
20 Points
1. Using Twain’s humorous devices, explore in a brief essay how Twain’s use of humor
is like or unlike the use of humor by today’s humorists and comedians. How do
contemporary comics appeal to their particular audiences. Would Twain hold up
today as a stand-up comic or a humorous writer? Explain.
Explore the humorous devices described on p. 463. This essay should be two pages,
typed, double spaced minimum. Your essay may be longer if you wish. This essay will
be due Tuesday, Feb. 10th in class.
Please use this paper for your draft to be turned in with your final.