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Lost Boys!
Reporter: Ahmed Ali
Exclusive Interview with Mark Twain
Me: Mr. Twain, in your new book, I enjoyed your allusion to Robin Hood when the boys were playing games on the island. Why did you choose that particular allusion?
Twain: I always loved Robin Hood as a boy, because I liked the idea of a thief who committed crimes for the good of others. I thought that this would also be an idea that Tom would enjoy, as Tom was somewhat based on me, so I put that in as a pastime for Tom and his friends.
Me: Mr. Twain, in the Preface of your book, it says that Tom himself is drawn from three people from your life. Who were these three people?
Twain: As I said above, I am one of the three boys. Tom was mostly based on me, but some characteristics were taken from my friends John Briggs and William Bowen. The name came from a fireman I knew in San Francisco.
Me: Mr. Twain, the most tense aspect of your new book is, of course, Injun Joe's murder of Dr. Robinson. What was your inspiration for him? Was he drawn from real life?
Twain: The murder in the graveyard was a real life event. However, Tom's experience in the graveyard was not mine. I remember that the murder was big news in Hannibal at the time, and I was utterly shocked when a friend of mine was called to testify.
Me: Thank you for having this interview with me.
Twain: It's always a pleasure.
For more information on Mr. Twain, please see the video below.
Reporter: Ahmed Ali