Final answer:
Twain brings the setting of his story into modern times through his use of vivid description, dialogue, and imagery, along with chronological organization and sensory experiences, making historical settings feel relevant to contemporary readers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Twain modernizes the setting of his story by using elements such as vivid description, dialogue, and imagery to create a sense of immediacy and relevance to contemporary times. Even when writing about the past, the use of the present tense in introductions, and dialogues that mimic current modes of speech, help make the settings feel more modern. For example, in Life on the Mississippi, Twain describes his experiences learning to pilot a steamboat with such detailed descriptions and authentic dialogue that readers are transported into the narrative, making the setting come alive.
Through Twain's use of organization by recounting events chronologically, a reader can follow the unfolding events as if they are happening right now, which helps bring historical settings into a contemporary light. His inclusion of sensory experiences further allows readers to connect intimately with the narrative, enhancing the understanding of his experiences and the learning process as a riverboat pilot. By employing these literary techniques, Twain effectively bridges the gap between the past and the present, making the settings accessible and relevant to modern readers.