Regionalism and Realism in "Two Ways of Seeing a River"

"Two Ways of Seeing a River" by Mark Twain could be classified as both Realism and partially one of its subgenres, Regionalism. Realism is a genre in which facts and emotional descriptions and phrases are used in order to extract an emotional response from the reader (Werlock). By using a mixture of details that play on one's emotions and facts that appeal to the more logical and reasoning side of one's brain, the most effective response can be produced. Realism is all about appealing to people by discussing something that is important and applicable to their own daily lives. This makes people more likely to listen to the argument put before them because they feel as though they can relate (Werlock). Mark Twain applies this concept by talking about a particular river but at the same time referencing all rivers and the way that the concept applies to them all (Twain 504-505). In his short narrative he talks about how rivers can lose their majesty and the sense of wonder they evoke because one simply becomes desensitized to them due to prolonged exposure (Twain 504-505). The following quote illustrates the way Twain uses details to appeal to the reader's senses:

"A broad expanse of the river was turned to blood; in the middle distance the red hue brightened into gold, through which a solitary log came floating, black and conspicuous; in one place a long, slanting mark lay sparkling upon the water; in another the surface was broken by boiling, tumbling rings, that were as many-tinted as an opal; where the ruddy flush was faintest, was a smooth spot that was covered with graceful circles and radiating lines, ever so delicately traced; the shore on our left was densely wooded, and the sombre shadow that fell from this forest was broken in one place by a long, ruffled trail that shone like silver; and high above the forest wall a clean-stemmed dead tree waved a single leafy bough that glowed like a flame in the unobstructed splendor that was flowing from the sun" (Twain 504).

Through this excerpt, Twain captivates the reader with the majesty and wonder of the river as well as using facts and descriptions of the river in order to make it seem real (Twain 504-505). This is a great example of the balance of facts and emotional details in Realism.

This story also shows aspects of Regionalism. Regionalism is a genre in which all of the focus of the literary work is focused upon one particular location (Anderson). It can range anywhere from a whole region to a county to a natural landmark, such as the river referenced in this work. The backdrop of this location used in the work provides the foundation for every part of the literary work. In some cases the author also provides dialect and vernacular that is particular to the region. In this way he brings out the life of the region in an even more effective way (Anderson). Twain employs these principles of Regionalism in his work "Two Ways of Seeing a River." He does this by focusing his entire work on one particular location, the river. All of the piece is built on the core foundation of this one river (Twain 504-505).

While this work revolves solely around the river, not all Regionalist works are the same way. Some of them simply use the location to build the story rather than making the story about the region itself. Still, all Regional works have to build their core around a particular region.

Anderson, George P., Judith S. Baughman, Matthew J. Bruccoli, and Carl Rollyson, eds."regionalism." Encyclopedia of American Literature: Into the Modern: 1896–1945, vol. 3, Revised Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2008. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= EAmL1330&SingleRecord=True (accessed February 14, 2011).

Twain, Mark. "Two Views of the River." Glencoe American Literature. comp. Wilhelm, Jeffery. McGraw Hill. Columbus, OH. 2009. pg. 504-505.

Werlock, Abby H. P. "realism." The Facts On File Companion to the American Short Story, Second Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2009. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. Feb 13, 2011.