The informal and colloquial language, such as "knowed," helps establish the narrator as uneducated, adding a humorous and down-to-earth tone to the story. This choice of language reflects the narrator's regional identity and creates a conversational atmosphere, making the story feel more relatable and engaging for the reader. The relaxed syntax and informal diction also contribute to the overall humor and charm of Twain's storytelling, enhancing the characterization of the narrator as an everyday man involved in a humorous tale.
Passage from The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County by Mark Twain:
"I let him go on in his own way, and never said nothing, for I didn't want to interrupt him, because I see how he was going to work it, and I knowed he was going to win."
How does Mark Twain's use of the phrase "I knowed he was going to win" in this passage contribute to the tone and characterization of the narrator?
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The informal and colloquial language, such as "knowed," helps establish the narrator as uneducated, adding a humorous and down-to-earth tone to the story.
The use of "knew" instead of "knowed" creates a formal and sophisticated tone, emphasizing the narrator's intellectual superiority.
The use of "knew" creates a sense of uncertainty, suggesting the narrator is unsure of the outcome of the betting situation.
The phrase "going to win" uses overly dramatic language, which reflects the narrator's tendency to exaggerate the events of the story.
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