Mark Twain -- Discussion Questions

1.) Examine the structure of the story and the use of multiple narrators in “The Notorious Jumping Frog." What do you notice?

2.) Is "The Notorious Jumping Frog" an example of Regionalism or an example of Local Color? Explain.

3.) How might the use of the names Andrew Jackson and Daniel Webster be important?

4.) What do you think of Mark Twain’s theory about acquiring and/or developing a writing style in "The Art of Authorship"? Why do you think Twain presents it as he does?

5.) Does Mark Twain follow his own advice -- in "How to Tell a Story" -- in his own stories? Perhaps apply his advice to "The Notorious Jumping Frog."

6.) Is any of this stuff "funny," or is it not funny anymore without the frontier context and a simpler time in America? Explain.

7.) What else do you see in these texts that is important, interesting, surprising, etc.?

8.) What questions do you have about Twain or his texts?