Here's a breakdown:
* Regional Dialects: Twain was a master of capturing the spoken language of his time and place, especially the American South and West. He used dialect and colloquialisms to create authentic and memorable characters. This involved incorporating regional pronunciations, grammatical patterns, and vocabulary, which might appear "incorrect" by standard English rules.
* Humor and Characterization: The use of dialect and colloquialisms often served a humorous purpose, highlighting the differences between social classes or highlighting the personality quirks of individual characters. This added depth and humor to his stories.
* Verisimilitude: Twain aimed for realism and authenticity in his writing. He believed that using the language people actually spoke, even if it deviated from standard grammar, would make his stories more believable and engaging.
* Social Commentary: Twain's use of dialect and colloquialisms wasn't just about capturing regional speech; it was also a way to comment on social issues, highlighting the differences between different groups and drawing attention to inequalities.
* Narrative Voice: Twain's writing style often involved a narrator who spoke in a conversational tone, often mimicking the speech patterns of the characters. This created a sense of immediacy and intimacy, drawing the reader into the world of the story.
It's important to remember that Twain was a highly skilled writer who consciously chose his language. While he might have used unconventional grammar and vocabulary, it was always purposeful and served a specific literary function. He wasn't simply making mistakes; he was crafting a unique and impactful style.