“Advice to Youth” is Mark Twain’s satirical essay written in 1882. The author was asked to address something to young Americans, which he did in his own manner. Written in a shape of a graduation speech, “Advice to Youth” exposes the older generation’s hypocrisy by means of satire and irony. Twain puts the emphasis on the graduation speeches’ dishonesty and exaggerates the advice usually given in such a situation, turning his speech into a joke and mockery.
Regarding lying, the author claims that it is of great importance to be “careful” and mentions the significance of “confidence” and “elegance” with regard to the issue (Twain 4). His examples are full of irony; he depicts caricature images, such as a grandson with a firearm and a scared grandmother. He is sure that if young people follow these recommendations and build their characters upon these precepts, they will see “how nicely and sharply” their personality “resembles everybody else’s” (Twain 7). Concerning the historical moment and environment, his disappointment with the authorities could have been linked to alcohol prohibition in Kansas in 1881. Any ban assumes that people are not able to make decisions on their own. Finishing the essay, Twain hints at the absurdity and meaninglessness of such speeches.
In conclusion, although the essay was written in the shape of advice, its irony implies a denial of the older generation’s authority. It encourages making up one’s mind about life on their own account. While addressing young people with wisdom, Twain mocks the idea of obeying authorities. Given that, it can be said that “Advice to Youth” is a hidden call for young people to think critically and act independently.
Works Cited
Twain, Mark. “Advice to Youth.” University of Virginia, 1882. Web.