Final answer:
Mark Twain updates the setting in his stories for modern readers through the use of vivid description, imagery, and dialogue, exemplified in his memoir 'Life on the Mississippi'. These narrative techniques create a rich, relatable setting, connecting the past experiences depicted in the story with the present audience.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mark Twain brings the setting of his stories into modern times by employing various narrative techniques such as vivid description, vivid details and imagery, and dialogue. These elements not only create a lifelike and relatable setting but also serve to advance the plot and develop tension within the narrative. For instance, in his memoir Life on the Mississippi, Twain recounts his experiences as a steamboat pilot using specific sensory details that transport the reader to the deck of the Mississippi steamboat alongside the narrator. Through these literary devices, Twain updates the setting and makes it accessible to contemporary audiences by highlighting universally relatable experiences, such as learning a new skill under pressure or dealing with the expectations of others.
The use of these narrative strategies is evident in Twain's recollection of the dangers multiplying and the palpable peril he imagines, as well as the dialogue that captures the shift from the narrator's confidence to anxiety. Such techniques enable Twain to bridge the gap between the past and his present audience, underlining the timelessness of human experiences regardless of the era. This method showcases Twain's mastery in storytelling, making his encounter with Mr. Bixby and the steamboat a part of the larger tapestry that reflects the essence of the American spirit and culture.