Reference

Mark Twain's essays and writings, such as "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," were received with varied reactions from both the public and critics. Initially, works like "Huckleberry Finn" were generally well received by critics who appreciated Twain's humor and criticism of societal issues. However, some critics accused Twain of perpetuating racial stereotypes, especially in his depictions of African American characters, which has led to ongoing debate about his intentions and the impact of his work (source).

Twain's overall reputation as a writer who critically examined society, especially American society, has been both challenged and celebrated over the decades. His status evolved from being viewed mainly as a humorist to being recognized as a significant literary figure capable of addressing profound societal issues (source).

Late works, such as "Letters from the Earth," which were published posthumously, also contributed to controversies regarding Twain's critical views on religion and human nature (source).

If you are interested in the specific reception of a particular essay by Twain, please let me know, as his essays covered a wide range of themes and evoked various responses.