Introduction
Mark Twain is known for his mastery of realism in his writings. One of his notable works is “The War Prayer,” which showcases his ability to depict the harsh realities of war (Johanningsmeier and Jessica). In this short story, Twain presents a critical view of patriotism and religious fervor and how they can lead to the glorification of war. In “The War Prayer,” Mark Twain uses realistic descriptions and commentary to critique the glorification of war and expose its devastating consequences on individuals and society.
Realism Elements in Mark Twain’s “The War Prayer”
Descriptions
Twain’s use of vivid descriptions is one of the ways in which he exemplifies realism in “The War Prayer.” In the story, he depicts the scene of a church service where the congregation is praying for the success of their country’s war efforts. Twain uses descriptions such as “the sunburst of brass and flame” and “the sweet face of the young child” to create an illusion of a peaceful and harmonious setting (Twain).
However, he then describes the horrors of war, contrasting the idyllic church setting with the reality of the battlefield. He describes the “corpses” and “cripples” that fill the hospitals, illustrating the gruesome effects of war (Twain). Through these vivid descriptions, Twain exposes the harsh realities of war and challenges the reader’s perception of patriotism.
Symbols
Symbolic language is another element of realism that Twain employs in “The War Prayer.” Twain uses symbolism to represent the irony and hypocrisy of the church service (Steinbrink). For instance, the “high, grave organ” in the church is juxtaposed with the “crash of falling walls” on the battlefields, highlighting the contrast between the peaceful church and the violence of war. Additionally, the “silver cross” on the altar is symbolic of the Christian faith, which preaches peace and love, but in this case, it is being used to justify violence and death (Steinbrink). Twain’s use of symbolism is a powerful tool that highlights the irony of the situation and the false piety of those who engage in war.
Imagery
Twain employs realism by using vivid imagery and sensory details to create a sense of immersion in the story. His descriptions of the church, the congregation, and the older man’s appearance all transport the reader into the story’s world (Twain). The story’s setting and characters are relatable and familiar, which allows the reader to connect with the story’s themes and messages. The realistic depiction of war’s effects and the hypocrisy of patriotism are made all the more potent by their portrayal in a familiar and believable context.
Simple Language
Twain’s use of language in “The War Prayer” is characteristic of the realist movement. He employs simple, direct language that is accessible and easy to understand, which allows the story’s themes to be conveyed clearly and effectively. The story’s dialogue is realistic and believable, and Twain’s use of dialect and colloquial language adds to the authenticity of the story’s setting and characters (Holbo). The language used in “The War Prayer” further immerses the reader in the story’s world and emphasizes the realism of the story’s themes.
Psychological Aspect
Additionally, Twain exhibits realism in “The War Prayer” by exploring the psychological impact of war on individuals. He depicts the soldiers as traumatized and broken, highlighting the emotional toll war takes on those who participate in it (Mambrol). By doing so, Twain exposes the hidden costs of war, such as its long-term psychological effects on individuals and the toll it takes on their families and communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mark Twain’s “The War Prayer” is a powerful and thought-provoking work that exhibits realism through its depiction of war and its consequences. Twain’s portrayal of soldiers and civilians, as well as the grim reality of war, is a realistic portrayal of the toll that war takes on both the individuals involved and society at large.
Works Cited
Holbo, Christine. Legal Realisms: The American Novel under Reconstruction. Oxford University Press, USA, 2019.
Johanningsmeier, Charles A, and McCarthy E. Jessica. “Reimagining Realism: A New Anthology of Late Nineteenth-and Early Twentieth-Century American Short Fiction.” Ohio University Press, 2022.
Mambrol, Nasrullah. “Analysis of Mark Twain’s Novels.” Literary Theory and Criticism, 2020. Web.
Steinbrink, Jeffrey. Getting to Be Mark Twain. Univ of California Press, 2022.
Twain, Mark. The Complete Letters of Mark Twain. DigiCat, 2022.