Mark Twain - The Lowest Animal

What does Twain mean by "Descent of Man from the Higher Animals"?

• Humans evolved from higher moral beings.
• Humans improved over time.
• Humans descended morally compared to animals.
• Evolution is flawed according to Twain.

Answer explanation

Twain uses satire to suggest humans are morally inferior to animals.

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CCSS.RI.11-12.9

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What is the main tone of the essay?

• Sarcastic
• Reverent
• Neutral
• Admiring

Answer explanation

The tone is sarcastic as Twain critiques humanity through humor and exaggeration.

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What does Twain suggest about man’s "Moral Sense"?

• It is humanity’s greatest gift.
• It allows humans to do wrong.
• It makes humans like animals.
• It brings humans closer to divinity.

Answer explanation

Twain argues that the moral sense allows humans to consciously commit evil.

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What literary device is most evident in Twain’s comparison of the earl and the anaconda?

• Simile
• Metaphor
• Satire
• Hyperbole

Answer explanation

Twain uses satire to highlight the cruelty and wastefulness of humans compared to animals.

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According to Twain, why does man’s reasoning ability make him inferior to animals?

• It leads to cruelty and absurdity.
• It allows man to dominate animals.
• It creates technological advancements.
• It proves Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Answer explanation

Twain claims reasoning leads to atrocities like war and organized cruelty.

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What figure of speech is used in the phrase "man is the only Patriot"?

• Irony
• Metaphor
• Hyperbole
• Alliteration

Answer explanation

Twain uses irony to criticize patriotism as divisive and violent.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

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Which theme is most evident in Twain’s observations about war?

• Unity
• Absurdity
• Humanity’s cruelty
• Patriotism

Answer explanation

Twain critiques the organized violence of war, highlighting human cruelty.

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In the context of the essay, what does the word "avaricious" mean?

• Greedy
• Foolish
• Kind
• Wasteful

Answer explanation

"Avaricious" means greedy, fitting Twain's critique of humans hoarding resources.

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What absurd image does Twain create to critique human disagreements?

• Humans arguing peacefully in a debate.
• Humans destroying each other over theology.
• Humans working together for universal brotherhood.
• Animals creating their own religion.

Answer explanation

Twain exaggerates by showing humans killing each other over minor theological differences.

What is Twain’s view on animals’ behavior compared to humans’?

• Animals are innocent and unreasoning.
• Animals are cruel but practical.
• Animals are wiser than humans.
• Animals are immoral.

Answer explanation

Twain argues animals act out of instinct, unlike humans who choose to be cruel.

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