Final Answer:
1a. Sam (Mark Twain) and his pals despised the cub engineer because he was seen as an authority figure who enforced rules and regulations.
1b. The job of cub engineer might not have been as glorious as the boys imagined due to the long hours, dirty work, and lack of adventure compared to the romanticized image of life on a steamboat.
2a. Hannibal, Missouri, in the riverboat days was a bustling town with lively riverfront activity, characterized by its bustling commerce, diverse inhabitants, and the constant presence of steamboats.
2b. Twain's description of Hannibal appealed to readers during the post-Civil War era due to its nostalgic portrayal of a simpler time and a community closely tied to the river, amidst the rapid industrial changes occurring across the country.
3a. Tasks of a steamboatman included piloting the boat, maintaining the engine, loading and unloading cargo, and managing the crew; piloting was the most desirable due to its skill and prestige.
3b. The boys wanted to work on a steamboat primarily for the allure of adventure and the freedom associated with life on the river.
4a. Exaggerations in the story include idealizing the freedom of the river and dramatizing the conflicts between the boys and authority figures.
4b. Humorous lines from Twain's memoir include anecdotes about the boys' antics, such as trying to run away to become pirates and their misadventures in dealing with authority.
5a. Twain's experience as a riverboat pilot is evident in his vivid descriptions of the Mississippi River's landscape, the intricacies of piloting, and the camaraderie among the crew.
5b. In my memoirs, I could share insights into navigating challenges in various roles, finding humor in everyday situations, and embracing the unexpected turns of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sam (Mark Twain) and his pals despised the cub engineer for enforcing rules and regulations, highlighting the tension between authority and the boys' desire for freedom. Life on the riverboat, as depicted by Twain, contrasted the romanticized image with the reality of laborious tasks and constraints.
Hannibal's portrayal appealed to readers during a time of industrial change, offering nostalgia for a simpler era. The allure of piloting and the freedom of the river motivated the boys to work on a steamboat. Twain's memoir includes exaggerated and humorous elements, emphasizing the boys' adventurous spirit.
His experience as a riverboat pilot shines through in detailed descriptions and insights into the Mississippi River. In my own memoirs, I'd aim to share experiences, humor, and lessons learned in navigating life's twists and turns.