Final answer:
Mark Twain used satire, regional humor, and hyperbole in works like 'The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County' and 'The War Prayer' to challenge social norms. His irreverence toward social structures and his critique of the politics of his time are evident in his literary style and themes. Slavery and social codes are notable subjects of his subtle, yet powerful literary influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'irreverence' ascribed to Mark Twain suggests his non-conformist attitude toward social norms and expectations, which he frequently showcased through his writing. One mode Twain employed to challenge the status quo was satire, a literary device that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to critique politics, society, or individuals. In works such as 'The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County' and 'The War Prayer,' Twain leveraged regional humor and hyperbole to implicitly question social structures and norms.
Also notable is Twain's 'The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today,' co-written with Charles Dudley Warner, which not only sought to amuse but also to sharply criticize the political climate of the time. Furthermore, in his travelogue 'Roughing It!' Twain shared embellished accounts of his adventures, turning his critical eye and satirical pen toward the frontier experiences of the American West.
Through these parodies, Twain managed to convey his skepticism of social proprieties and beliefs that dominated pre-Civil War America, such as the widely accepted institution of slavery and inequitable social hierarchies. This approach cemented his place in American Literary Realism, highlighting to readers the inconsistencies and injustices of their world in a fashion that was as entertaining as it was thought-provoking.