In most of our current times and positions the ability to read and otherwise effectively communicate ourselves is almost a skill taken for granted, especially when attending a technical institute. However Twain, through his characters, seems to place special emphasis on this skills. One of his first orders of business when attaining power is to establish a reputable newspaper and further train somewhat competent journalist and writers. Later on he is constantly bringing up Sandy's unbearably circuitous mode of speech. He comments on her diction, syntax, and overall effectiveness as a communicator. In this way, Twain can be seen as having some of the same beliefs as Frederick Douglass or George Orwell, who both viewed proper language as not only valuable skills to the individual but as keys to maintaining civilization as a whole.
In fact, is speech not how Hank distinguishes himself from the so-called "crazies" towards the beginning of the novel. He views speech and language in general as a certain trademark of the more intelligent. The nobles and royalty, of course, all can read and write, however they still speak rather like children so they also still fall mostly in the unintelligent group.
Stay tuned! Next week I'll discuss the impact of words, ideas, and concept such as chivalry!
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