Masters Theses

Date of Award

8-1983

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

English

Major Professor

Allison R. Ensor

Committee Members

Dick Penner, Bain T. Stewart

Abstract

This study opens with Mark Twain's documented interest in phrenology, then traces it into Huckleberry Finn, where, echoing phrenology's use of the medieval humours, some astrological characterizations can be argued in terms of astrology's four elements-fire, earth, air, and water.

Whether Twain ever discovered the synonymity of humours and astrological elements, his two chief comedians and sociopaths in Huck Finn, the King and the Duke, exemplify a fascinating range of both fiery and watery personality traits. Their impassioned speeches, feigned sobs and tearbursts, their reeking avarice hidden in highly imaginative role-playing-their negative and positive reaches all find corroboration in modern astrological definitions of the fire and water elements. The Wilks caper especially reveals the spiritual heights and depths travelled by these swaggering swindlers, whose words and actions mirror the fire and water character files set forth by the numerous astrological texts consulted in this study.

Although both rascals are characteristically American in their vital, expansive, nomadic ways, their intellectual gifts herald the universal human potential-if bolstered by spiritual aspiration for mystic experience, for the joyful life in blessed imagining. Although the King and the Duke lack real spiritual sensitivity, their nonetheless high-powered intellects-so brilliantly comprehended by astrology's fire and water elements-announce all manner of bright possibilities for mortal sufferers, and seekers after God.

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