Mark Twain (1835-1910) was known for:
* Social commentary and satire: His works often critiqued societal hypocrisy, racism, and the corrupting influence of wealth.
* Regionalism: He focused on life in the American South and West, capturing vernacular speech and local customs in works like "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn".
* Humor and adventure: His stories were often infused with wit and humor, even when dealing with serious themes.
* Human nature: Twain explored the complexities of human character, highlighting both the good and bad within individuals.
Henry James (1843-1916) was more interested in:
* Psychology and inner lives: James delved deeply into the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of his characters, often focusing on the complexities of human relationships.
* Social class and morality: His stories often explored the dynamics between different social classes, particularly the interactions of Americans and Europeans. He also examined the ethical dilemmas faced by characters within their social spheres.
* The nature of perception: James often used the unreliable narrator technique, challenging the reader's assumptions about reality and highlighting the subjectivity of perception.
* Formal experimentation: He was known for his intricate prose and complex sentence structures, which contributed to his unique style.
In summary: Both Mark Twain and Henry James were realists who aimed to portray life as it was, but their approaches differed. Twain focused on social commentary, regionalism, and humor, while James delved into the psychological complexities of human nature and social dynamics. Their distinct styles and subject matter made them both influential figures in American literature.