The Lowest Animal - Mark Twain
In the comment box below, you will be writing a reader's response.
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Use the questions in the right margin to help guide your responses, as well as:
How does the time period and author's voice affect this piece?
How does the author feel about this subject?
How is this shown in his tone and approach?
What point is he trying to make, and specifically how do you know that?
Why might an author write this piece?
Who is the intended audience?
Will this piece affect them?
You do not have to answer all these - they are just a guide to help you.
Your response should be between 100 and 125 words. No more. No less.
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Read the following excerpt:
http://thevegantruth.blogspot.com/2009/11/excerpts-from-lowest-animal-by-mark.htmlThis blog is due TUESDAY, Jan. 28.
The time period in which this excerpt was written does affect how the piece is received. The time period and tone of voice that Twain uses gives this article more of a sense of revelation in how human nature evolved. From the way Twain talks in this piece I believe that he thinks that humanity of mankind has become the one true downfall of the species. I have arrived at this conclusion from Twain's voice and the way he delivers his ideas in a manner of defeat and disappointment only used when one has truly lost hope for the one thing he believed so highly of. I believe the audience for this article was intended to be realists who believed in the self-destructive of mankind. (125)
ReplyDeleteExcellent job! :)
DeleteIf I had to describe this piece in one word that word would be convicting. At first when reading these passages it may seem that his comparisons are a little out there, however, when he gets to the end it all comes together and really makes you think. I think Mark Twain was very passionate about his beliefs towards humans. His tone would suggest a bit of anger, frustration, and disappointment. He continually calls animals the high animals and humans the lowest of the low. After reading this, frankly, I agree. I believe that the audience he intended to read this would be young adults. This is because they are still young enough to change their ways and be molded. These passages opened my eyes. (125)
ReplyDeleteExcellent! :)
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