The Lowest Animal Twain

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.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

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.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

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 the main theme of Twain's 'The Lowest Animal'?

• Human moral decline

• Animal superiority

• Evolutionary progress

• Religious enlightenment

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

How does Twain use irony in 'The Lowest Animal'?

• By praising human achievements

• By comparing humans to animals

• By highlighting animal intelligence

• By showing human flaws

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

What does Twain imply about human nature in 'The Lowest Animal'?

• Humans are inherently good

• Humans are superior to animals

• Humans are morally flawed

• Humans are evolving positively

Which literary device is prominent in Twain's critique of humanity?

• Alliteration

• Personification

• Satire

• Onomatopoeia

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What example does Twain use to illustrate human cruelty?

• Animal hunting

• War and conflict

• Environmental destruction

• Religious persecution

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

In 'The Lowest Animal', what does Twain suggest about human intelligence?

• It is superior to all animals

• It is used for destructive purposes

• It is a gift from nature

• It is evolving rapidly