Reflection on "The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County"

While reading "The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," I was amused by Mark Twain's use of diction and humor used to entertain readers throughout a monotous account. The author's sarcastic, dry humor allows for the story to encourage readers to continue with the story and pokes fun at an otherwise boring cast of characters. Through the use of diction, Twain develops the characters of the story into a humorous cast that brings color to the story.

The author only "speaks" when he introduces the story at the start, and again at the end. Twain's sarcasm is seen from the very beginning of the lighthearted story when he opens explaining how he ended up writing the tale, a funny account in itself: "I have a lurking suspicion...he would go to work and bore me to death with some exasperating reminiscence" (525). Twain uses the two opportunities at the opening and closing of the story to give readers a humor that is found throughout the story.

The remaining parts of the story are a direct quotation of the account by Mr. Wheeler of a bet crazed man named Mr. Smiley. Twain uses diction to continue his flow of humor throughout the story. Twain uses humor in his characterization by using prominent names such as Dan'l Webster and Andrew Jackson for animals. Twain gives his characters a twangy accent and successfully puts humor in a story that might otherwise be considered bland.

Though the story did not seem to have a theme that jumped out at readers, I enjoyed "The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County." Twain did an excellent job writing a lighthearted, humorous story about a frog and a man addicted to betting.