Morality Analysis in “The Damned Human Race” Anonymous College

The Damned Human Race is satirical essay where the author discusses his perceptions of mankind’s impractical morality. He argues that “Indecency, vulgarity, and obscenity (these are strictly confined to man); he invented them” (Twain). He concludes that there is no trace of humanity among the higher animals because they never hide anything and are not feeling guilty. His observation presents human as the only beings with a moral sense and they still utilize it for evil ends. After his thorough comparison between man and animals, he concludes that among all species, man is the least evolved. In spite of the satirical tone and dishonest proficiency, the arguments aptly fit his generalizations about the human race. He employs satire to reveal the ills defining man's life at the same time challenging his readers to assess their own morals (Twain). This essay will critically analyze Mark Twain’s essay, The Damned Human Race, with regard to the arguments presented concerning the human race and animals. The essay will focus on the structure of the argument, its tone, and the pathos, logos, and ethos to prove the success of the argument.

Apart from the application of false and banal analogies, Twain’s arguments reveal some truth. The...