The Lowest Animal by Mark Twain: Summary and Satirical Analysis

Mark Twain’s essay The Lowest Animal offers a biting satirical critique of human nature, portraying humanity as morally inferior to animals. Written during the social and political unrest of the late 1800s, Twain humorously reverses the typical Darwinian perspective, suggesting that humans are, in fact, the "lowest animal." Through his essay, Twain highlights mankind’s inherent cruelty, selfishness, and hypocrisy, using both dark humor and exaggerated depictions to drive his point home.

Summary of The Lowest Animal

In The Lowest Animal, Twain challenges the belief that humans are superior to animals, arguing instead that human behavior often proves them to be morally flawed. He illustrates this by pointing to various human characteristics, such as:

1. Violence: Twain states that humans are unique in their capacity for brutality, especially in the name of religion or ideology. He writes, "He is the only animal that loves his neighbor as himself, and cuts his throat if his theology isn’t straight."
2. Greed: Twain critiques humanity’s insatiable greed, suggesting that humans are the only species that takes what doesn’t belong to them by force. He points out that no land is truly owned rightfully, as it has been taken by "force and bloodshed" through generations.
3. Hypocrisy: Twain mocks the hypocrisy of patriotism, where people promote their own countries as superior while condemning others, regardless of whether their nation’s actions are just.

Satire and Social Commentary

Twain’s use of satire is central to the essay’s impact. His sharp, humorous critiques of society target humanity’s flaws, particularly the violence and greed that drive human behavior. One of the most memorable examples of Twain’s satire is his critique of religion and religious intolerance. He highlights how people, despite claiming to love their neighbors, are often quick to turn on each other when theological beliefs differ.

Exaggeration and Macabre Imagery

One of Twain’s key techniques in The Lowest Animal is the use of macabre imagery and exaggeration to emphasize humanity’s moral failures. He states that humans, unlike animals, commit heinous acts not for survival but for power and material gain. By portraying humanity’s flaws in such extreme terms, Twain forces readers to confront the darker aspects of human nature.

List of Twain's Key Arguments:

• Humans are the only animals who kill for ideological reasons.
• Patriotism blinds people to their own country’s flaws, leading to unnecessary violence.
• Humans act on greed and selfish desires, robbing and killing not out of need, but for personal satisfaction.
• Animals are morally superior to humans, as they act based on survival instincts, not malice.

Critique of Patriotism and Nationalism

Twain takes a critical stance against patriotism, portraying it as a force that blinds individuals to the flaws of their own nations. He mocks how people separate themselves by country and use armies to both defend and conquer. “He sets himself apart in his country, under his own flag, and sneers at the other nations...” Through this satirical portrayal, Twain reveals the absurdity of nationalism, where blind loyalty often results in conflict and unnecessary violence.

Human Nature Versus Animal Instincts

Twain's central thesis in The Lowest Animal is that humans, despite their claims of superiority, often act in ways that are far worse than animals. Unlike animals, which operate on survival instincts, humans are driven by selfish desires and ideological beliefs, leading them to commit acts of violence, cruelty, and betrayal. Twain’s comparison of humans and animals serves to underline the hypocrisy of mankind’s self-perception as the “highest animal.”

Conclusion: Twain’s Final Verdict on Humanity

In The Lowest Animal, Twain ultimately concludes that humanity, despite its claims of intelligence and evolution, is the lowest of all animals. By using dark humor, satire, and macabre imagery, he challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions about human superiority. Twain’s essay serves as both a humorous reflection and a sobering critique of the moral and ethical shortcomings of mankind.