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What is the main theme of Mark Twain's essay 'The Lowest Animal'?

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The main theme is a satirical critique of human nature, suggesting that humans, despite considering themselves the most intelligent species, often exhibit irrational and immoral behavior.

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Define 'satire'.

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Satire is a genre of writing that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize and expose the flaws and shortcomings of individuals, institutions, or society, often with the intent of prompting change.

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What does Twain imply about the relationship between humans and animals in 'The Lowest Animal'?

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Twain implies that humans are not superior to animals; rather, they often display more negative traits than many animals, challenging the notion of human superiority.

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What is the significance of the title 'The Lowest Animal'?

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The title suggests that humans, despite their self-perception as the highest form of life, may actually be the 'lowest' due to their moral failings and irrational behaviors.

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How does Twain use irony in his argument about humans being the 'reasoning animal'?

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Twain uses irony to highlight the contradiction between humans' self-image as rational beings and their often irrational and destructive actions.

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What human foibles does Twain satirize in his essay?

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Twain satirizes various human foibles including cruelty, greed, intolerance, and the absurdity of social norms.

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Explain the concept of 'human foibles'.

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Human foibles refer to minor weaknesses or eccentricities in human behavior, often highlighting the imperfections and flaws that make people relatable.

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What role does humor play in Twain's writing?

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Humor serves as a tool for Twain to engage readers, making serious critiques of society more palatable and thought-provoking.

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What is the purpose of Twain's experiments mentioned in 'The Lowest Animal'?

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Twain's experiments serve to provide anecdotal evidence for his claims about human behavior, illustrating his points through personal observation.

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How does Twain's perspective challenge traditional views of human superiority?

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Twain challenges the notion of human superiority by presenting evidence of human cruelty and irrationality, suggesting that these traits are more pronounced than those found in animals.