Final answer:
Comparing and contrasting Mark Twain in passages involves analyzing how he uses imagery, faces internal conflict, and reflects on personal experiences while highlighting his unique writing style compared to his contemporaries.
Step-by-step explanation:
To compare and contrast the information about Mark Twain in two different passages, one must evaluate the content, style, and purpose of the texts. Passage A highlights Twain's use of imagery and sensory experiences aboard a steamboat, providing a vivid sense of place and an understanding of his purpose. Conversely, Passage B may focus on contrasting elements such as Twain's approach to narrative and thematic exploration, detailing how his writing might differ from other authors of the time or how he constructs a persona to aid characterization. Moreover, the conflict Twain faces, the implications of his experimental writing style, and how his work is informed by critics or influenced by genre conventions could all be facets to consider in the essay. Identifying how Twain reflects on past experiences to understand the present is also crucial.
For example, Mark Twain's depiction of his training under Mr. Bixby in Life on the Mississippi exemplifies not just a personal event but an internal conflict and a journey of self-realization, essential characteristics of his writing. Your essay might examine how Twain's stories, like Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, debate prevalent social issues of his time with a distinctive voice, thereby showcasing Twain's innovative approach to writing relative to his contemporaries. The reflection on the importance of these literary elements is crucial in articulating the contrast and similarities between passages about Mark Twain's writing.