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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.