1. Sarcastic Retorts: Twain was renowned for his ability to turn a phrase and craft clever comebacks. When nettled, he might resort to sarcasm to express his annoyance. For example, he once said, "I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure."
2. Witty Insults: Twain was not one to shy away from delivering a witty insult when he felt provoked. He had a knack for finding humorous ways to belittle or mock those who irritated him. For instance, he once described a person as "so narrow-minded that he could walk through a keyhole sideways."
3. Humorous Anecdotes: Twain often used humor as a coping mechanism when dealing with irritation or frustration. He might share amusing anecdotes or stories to lighten the mood and diffuse the situation. For example, he once said, "I'm an old man. I've had many troubles, most of which never happened."
4. Satirical Observations: Twain was a master of satire and social commentary. When nettled, he might express his annoyance through satirical observations about society, politics, or human nature. For instance, he once wrote, "The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it."
5. Avoidance and Avoidance: In some cases, Twain might choose to avoid situations or people that irritated him. He understood the importance of self-preservation and would sometimes opt to steer clear of unnecessary conflict or unpleasant encounters.
6. Grumpy Silences: At times, Twain might simply withdraw into a grumpy silence when feeling nettled. He would refuse to engage in conversation or interactions, giving others the cold shoulder until he felt his irritation had subsided.
Remember, these behaviors are based on observations of Mark Twain's personality and writing style, and they do not necessarily represent how he would act in every situation. Individuals can react to irritation in various ways, and Twain's responses might have varied depending on the specific circumstances and his mood.