Mike Clinton
Introduction to Mark Twain’s "The Lowest Animal"
Mark Twain is a renowned American author who is known for his wit, humor, and satirical writing. His works have challenged the norms of society and have forced readers to question their beliefs. "The Lowest Animal" is one of Twain’s most famous satirical essays, in which he puts forward the idea that humans are the lowest animals on the planet.
The Purpose of Mark Twain’s Satirical Work
Mark Twain’s main purpose in writing "The Lowest Animal" was to criticize the concept of human superiority. He believed that humans had a false sense of superiority which stemmed from their belief in religion and their arrogance towards other animals. Twain used satire to expose the hypocrisy and flaws of human nature. He wanted to make people realize that their behavior was not only harmful to other animals but also to themselves.
Analyzing Twain’s Use of Language and Tone
Twain’s language in "The Lowest Animal" is blunt and aggressive. He uses a tone that is critical and pessimistic. Twain’s tone is sarcastic and mocking, which adds to the satirical effect of the essay. His use of language is meant to shock readers into realizing the truth about human nature. The essay is written in a straightforward manner, which makes it easy to understand and absorb.
Understanding Aggressive Tone in Writing
Aggressive tone in writing is a way of communicating strong emotions and opinions. It is a tone that is critical and challenging. Writers use aggressive tone to provoke a reaction from readers and to make them think about their beliefs and behavior. Aggressive tone can be effective in making readers pay attention and take action.
The Role of Irony in "The Lowest Animal"
Irony plays an important role in "The Lowest Animal". Twain uses irony to highlight the contradictions in human behavior. The irony in the essay is meant to expose the flaws in human nature. For example, Twain uses irony to point out that humans are the only animals that kill for sport, which he finds both absurd and cruel.
Examples of Aggressive Tone in the Text
One of the most striking examples of aggressive tone in the text is when Twain states that "Man is the only animal that deals in that atrocity of atrocities, War". This statement is both critical and challenging. Another example of aggressive tone is when Twain describes how humans kill animals for sport, calling it a "carnival of death". These examples show how Twain uses aggressive tone to make his point.
Twain’s Target Audience and Message
Twain’s target audience for "The Lowest Animal" was anyone who believed in the concept of human superiority. He wanted to challenge the beliefs of those who thought that humans were the highest form of life on the planet. Twain’s message was that humans were not superior to other animals, but rather, they were the lowest animals due to their behavior.
The Relevance of "The Lowest Animal" Today
"The Lowest Animal" is still relevant today because the issues that Twain addressed in the essay are still prevalent. Humans continue to exploit and harm other animals, and the concept of human superiority is still prevalent in society. Twain’s essay is a reminder that humans need to change their behavior towards other animals and to realize that they are not superior to them.
Twain’s Use of Humor as a Persuasive Tool
Twain’s use of humor in "The Lowest Animal" is a persuasive tool. He uses humor to make his point and to engage readers. The humor in the essay is meant to make readers think about the absurdity of human behavior. Twain’s humor is not only entertaining but also persuasive because it makes readers want to change their behavior.
Conclusion: Twain’s Legacy and Impact on Literature
Mark Twain’s legacy is that he was a writer who challenged the norms of society and forced readers to think critically about their beliefs. His use of satire, humor, and aggressive tone made his writing both entertaining and thought-provoking. "The Lowest Animal" is one of Twain’s most famous works and it continues to be relevant today. Twain’s impact on literature is that he paved the way for other writers to challenge the status quo and to speak out against injustice.