Final answer:
Mark Twain's depiction of the men working on the barges in 'Life on the Mississippi' combines respect for their skill with a critique of roles and work distribution, as revealed through anecdotes in his memoir.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mark Twain, in his memoir Life on the Mississippi, portrays the men who worked on the barges with a mix of admiration and critical humor. Twain's persona, the junior steersman, is characterized by a certain self-confidence and a touch of indignation towards the more experienced Mr. Bixby, who seems to do less physical work and plays the role of a "gentleman of leisure". It is through detailed anecdotes, like the one where the narrator boasts about his steering prowess, that Twain reveals the hard work and tension inherent in learning to pilot a riverboat. He creates a sense of empathy for the narrator, who feels slighted doing most of the work while the senior steersman appears to have an easier role. Nonetheless, Twain also demonstrates respect for the necessary skill and experience of the bargemen, especially when faced with difficult conditions on the river.