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Mark Twain's Cannibalism In The Cars

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According to Mark Twain, humorous stories are very different from comic and witty stories. Humor adds amusement and interest in the message that is being delivered. “Cannibalism in the Cars” delivers the humorous message by using irony, satire, and syntax. The irony in the short story is in the way that the senators speak so sophisticated. “Gentlemen: it cannot be delayed any longer! The time is at hand! We must determine which of us shall die to furnish food for the rest!”(Twain). This type of vocabulary is highly elevated causing the reader to believe that the argument would be something more relevant. Instead, the senators are arguing on who to eat next, considering they have been on the train for seven days. In addition, the irony shows how the senators, although starving, still speak as if at work. The man from Ohio, MR.A.L Basom stated “I move that the nominations now close, and that the House proceed to an election by ballot” (Twain). This causes the reader to question whether the senators realize the decisions they conclude to when at work. …show more content…

The use of satire criticizes the senators’ stupidity because the men are actually intellectual, yet use their smartness in a ridiculous way. Whether the men are starving or not, there is no reason for cannibalism. “After breakfast [they] elected a man named Walker, from Detroit for supper” (Twain). The fact that the men are still speaking in such a sophisticated manner while committing crimes makes on feel uncomfortable. The men’s description of the joyfulness as they devour the men is

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