Roughing It

Discuss Twain’s depiction of the cultures that he encounters in his travels. What critical lenses and habits of mind characterize his way of seeing groups of people?

Characterize Twain’s journey by stagecoach. What are its high points? What are its low points? How does Twain juxtapose the reality of this journey against his expectations?

The author encounters many characters during his travels who like to tell tall tales. Describe two of these people. What mindset fuels this compulsion, and how is it related to Twain’s conception of life on the frontier?

Compare Carson City to Virginia City. How are they alike? How are they different? How is the Nevada Territory different from the United States?

Twain travels through a diverse landscape on his way to Nevada. Consider yourself a travel writer and give a brief sketch of his journey from Missouri westward. Which part of the trip does he seem to favor, and which part does he dislike?

Hawaii is foreign territory to Twain in the same way that Nevada is. How does his reaction to each place differ? What does he prefer about Hawaii compared to the American West?

Discuss the historical context of the silver and gold rushes in the US. What sort of people were attracted to these pursuits? How were they different from the American population as a whole?

Twain characterizes his younger self as a perpetual optimist. Pick three examples from his travels that illustrate his tendency toward grandiose thinking. Then, show how reality contradicts his assumptions.