The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County by Mark Twain
Background
Author: Mark Twain (1835-1910)
Initial Publication: Saturday Press, November 18, 1865
Republished: 1867 in "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County and Other Sketches"
Publisher: Harper and Brothers
Synopsis
Narrator's Task: The narrator was asked by a friend to inquire about a man named Leonidas W. Smiley at Angel's Camp.
Simon Wheeler Interview: The narrator finds Simon Wheeler, a garrulous man, who instead recounts stories of Jim Smiley, confusing him with Leonidas W. Smiley.
Simon Wheeler's Story About Jim Smiley
Characteristics of Jim Smiley
A compulsive gambler who bet on everything.
Known for his luck and ability to win bets.
Jim Smiley's Betting Ventures
Horse Racing: Owned a slow mare known as the "15-minute nag" that would win despite ailments.
Dog Fights: Owned a bull pup named Andrew Jackson known for its unexpected winning strategy.
The Frog
Training: Smiley trained a frog, named Daniel Webster, to jump and catch flies.
Bet with a Stranger: Smiley bet $40 that Daniel could out-jump any frog.
Outcome: The stranger filled Daniel with quail shot, sabotaging the bet, and won the money.
Conclusion
Realization and Reaction: Smiley realized the sabotage too late; ran after the stranger but couldn't catch him.
Narrator’s Departure: The narrator left, uninterested in further stories Simon might tell, such as about a peculiar cow owned by Smiley.
Themes and Motifs
Humor and Trickery: The story illustrates Twain's use of humor and the theme of deception.
American Folklore: Reflects elements of American tall tales and folklore.
Narration Style
Tone: The story is narrated with a blend of dry humor and irony.
Characterization: Through Wheeler’s earnest and monotonous storytelling, Twain explores the art of storytelling itself.
Notable Points
Twain's Style: Use of dialect and regionalism is prominent.
Simon Wheeler's Role: Acts as a device to convey the story within a story, showing regional character and wit.