history of a candle

#96- Mark Twain’s “The Facts Concerning the Recent Carnival of Crime in Connecticut”

This week, Scott and Karl read Mark Twain’s “The Facts Concerning the Recent Carnival of Crime in Connecticut.”

Don’t let the long title misguide you, this Twain original is short and wonderfully mischievous.

As the story goes, Twain is expecting a visit from his dear, nagging Aunt Mary. Before her arrival, Twain has an unexpected visit from an ugly dwarf; an unwelcome guest he soon discovers to be his conscience.

Lauded as the “greatest humorist the United States has produced” and “the father of American literature” by William Faulkner, Twain manages to tie in some heavy themes to a lighthearted scenario.

Scott says, “Twain has no room for healthy conscience here. You either have a small conscience and you’re into being a mean man, or you have a large conscience and you’re a tortured soul for all of your days.”

“Or you nag everyone else,” Karl adds.

Tune in to enjoy this Twainish treat, and make sure to share with a friend.

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