Roughing It by Mark Twain

“Roughing It” by Mark Twain is a humorous travel narrative written during the late 19th century. The work recounts the author’s adventurous journey to the American West, exploring themes of discovery, camaraderie, and the contrast between urban and frontier life. The central character is Twain himself, who, after envy over his brother’s new position as Secretary of Nevada Territory, eagerly takes on the role of private secretary and embarks on a transformative journey filled with unexpected trials and amusing experiences. The opening of “Roughing It” begins with Twain reflecting on his brother’s appointment and the allure of adventure that it brings. He expresses his deep envy and excitement about the prospect of travel to the wild West, filled with dreams of encountering buffaloes, Indians, and gold mines. As he packs for the journey, he prepares for a brief excursion that unexpectedly turns into years of exploration. The humor continues as he details the tediousness of his steamboat travel and his eventual switch to an overland stagecoach, filled with eccentric characters and outrageous situations, setting the tone for the engaging and lively narrative that will follow.