How Does Mark Twain Use Ethos In The Damned Human Race

The darker side of humans

In the following evaluation the author, Mark Twain takes the reader on an emotional and persuasive ride looking at how he feels hopeless for mankind for their moral sense is lost. Twain makes the reader look deeper and methodically at their own moral compass. Even though “The Damned Human Race” by Mark Twain could have been more effective if he stayed away from false authority and hasty generalizations, overall it was a successful argument because, he used a balance of pathos, ethos, and logos to persuade the reader into looking at their own moral sense.

In this animated piece of literature Twain presents his argument comparing man to animal. He states that he has been conducting experiments using the scientific method which are “crucial test and actual experiments” (Twain 1). Furthermore, the writer goes on to explain his particularizing fact trail which he believes will help the reader through his essay. This explains and lays out to the

reader his interruption in order of a distinct species (man, quadrupeds, birds, fish, etc.). Additionally, he explains how man are greedy, revengeful, indecent, and cruel and the higher animal is not. He speaks of a deeper meaning in the text by pointing out the ill traits of mankind stating “rabies is an innocent disease, compared to the Moral Sense” (Twain, 4).

Throughout this essay Twain uses effective persuasive appeals in his academic argument with some reservations.

First, he tries to gain the credibility of the reader by stating he will be using scientific method. However, twain uses false authority and lost credibility for he is not a scientist. Furthermore, he used hasty generalization and by dubbing all humans beings greedy, revengeful, indecent, and curl. His example is when a young earl hunts buffalo for sport and pleasure taking more than he can use or consume while the animal, an anaconda will only take what they need to survive (Twain 2). On the other hand, Twain does a remarkable job of using pathos to gain the appeals of emotions of the reader. For instance, Twain paints a dark and cruel picture comparing moral sense to humans and animals. While he uses logic and organization to back up his original claim, which is to have humans objectively (open-mindedly) look at their own moral

sense.

For this essay the author has arranged his argument in a manger that makes sense to the reader. He starts off the paper by presenting his claim which is the overall idea he argues throughout. Furthermore, the author backs up this claim with evidence that he elaborates on through this essay. For instance, I have not guessed or speculated or conjectured, but have used the scientific method (Twain,1). Although, he does present evidence he does not add a counter claim to his argument. Additionally, this takes away from the Toulmin argument and the overall structure which does not help bridge his evidence. Moreover, the writer adds sub-claims to which strengthen his reasons and adds warrant to the essay. For instance, referring back to the earl and anaconda this is evidence the reason the writer has his claim.

In summary Twain’s writing persuaded his reader to look more deeply at their own moral sense. Throughout the writing he provokes his readers to look at the valueless traits of mankind which encourages the opposite. The author challenges the reader to think outside the box when look at humanity. He wants the reader to display the opposite by being loving, caring, and displaying acts of kindness. By doing this the writer makes the reader see flaws of their own and forces them to acknowledge their moral sense.