ABSTRACT
America opened its arms to Mark Twain and embraced him in welcome. The author, who would come to be considered the most quintessential American, had come home after nearly a decade of residing abroad. More than just a literary figure, Twain was a public hero who had conquered adversity and financial ruin. In the celebration of Samuel Clemens, the myth of Mark Twain began. After his death, Twain's life and works would be read, studied, discussed until his books would fit his own definition of a classic–”A book which people praise and don't read.” Clemens was partly responsible for his own legend, for he continued creating the persona of Mark Twain. Now Mark Twain, in his triumphant homecoming, had opinions on everything and was happily expressing them.
