Life on the Mississippi

Main Ideas

• Exploration of life and culture along the Mississippi River in the 19th century
• Autobiographical elements and personal memories of Mark Twain's experience as a river pilot
• Changes that occurred on the river and in the surrounding towns over time
• Critique and satire of the social and cultural norms of the era
• The influence of the Mississippi River on the economy and development of the United States
• The river's role as a symbol of freedom and adventure
• Contrasts between the romantic perception of the river and the reality of life on it