Mark Twain and the Feminine Aesthetic

This book traces the ways in which Mark Twain was formed by, and sought to manipulate, the ideology of gender. Feminine and masculine values exist via their opposition to and interplay with each other; and Twain, a representative masculine figure, provides a useful focal point for an exploration of the subject. Not only did Twain address himself directly to the conflicting and complementary aspects of gendered culture, but his models of history are strongly marked by the same issue: his exploitation of a North/male--South/female relationship is investigated, as well as his use of individual figures such as Joan of Arc. Stoneley considers the range of Twain's writing, including classic works such as Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, genteel fiction such as The Prince and the Pauper, and embittered autobiographical fragments. Twain's preoccupation with the nature and value of the "feminine" has long been recognized as a central feature of his writing. Stoneley goes beyond repeated generalizations to provide a detailed analysis; his book will be of interest to scholars and students of gender, American literature, and cultural history.