Life on the Mississippi

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What was the possible impact of steamboat technology on the landscape of the United States of America? What factors might have contributed to the decline of steamboats on the Mississippi River?

Teaching Suggestion: Mark Twain began his adult life working as a steamboat pilot along the Mississippi River. Twain explores the importance of steamboats, the dangers of operating them, and the eventual decline of the steamboat industry following the Civil War. Consider discussing the questions before exploring the impact of steamboats on the American landscape. 

• This 3-minute video dramatizes how steamboats revolutionized travel on the Mississippi River.
• This article from The Oklahoma Historical Society explains the various purposes of steamboats in America and explores some of their pitfalls.

2. Why is Mark Twain referred to as the Father of American Literature? What elements of Twain’s early life inspired some of his works?

Teaching Suggestion: When Mark Twain returns to the Mississippi River, he has become famous for his literary works. Consider discussing the impact of Mark Twain’s literary success and exploring the places that serve as inspiration for Twain’s writing. Then consider reading the articles to further analyze Twain’s impact on American literature.

• This 3-minute video describes the life of Mark Twain.
• This article from Biography explains the real-life experiences that inspired Mark Twain’s writing.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the text.

Consider the impact of technological advancement on growth and prosperity during your lifetime. How have technological advancements altered behavioral patterns and the way we spread information? What industries have declined because of changing technologies?

Teaching Suggestion: Twain has a special connection to the Mississippi River as he was raised in a riverfront town, Hannibal, Missouri, and became a steamboat pilot once he reached maturity. He returns to the Mississippi River 20 years after his steamboat-piloting career to discover that technology has led to drastic changes to what he sees on the river. Consider discussing the advancement of technology, its benefits, and the industries that suffer as a result of it. Students might want to consider industries that their elders were familiar with that they find obscure. Professions such as typists, elevator operators, switchboard operators, and travel agents were once common. In their own lives, they may notice the disappearance of bank tellers or grocery store cashiers.