1. The Lowest Animal A Close Reading Task
Mark Twain’s
The Lowest Animal
A Close Reading Task

2. Let’s Review the Article Together
What do the hunters do that the anaconda does not? What is the difference between man and the animals in terms of accumulating “wealth”?
How do man’s and animals’ views on decency differ?
What traits or practices set man apart from animals?
How have patriotism and religion set man apart from animals?

3. Let’s Talk A Bit… Points to consider in our discussion:
According to Twain, who is the lowest animal?
How does Twain employ humor to convey his message?
Let’s hear some of your annotations

4. With a Partner:
Go back to the article and note the following (use a separate sheet with both names on it)
How does the fictional scientific experiment introduce humor and exaggeration to the essay?
What point does Twain make about the hunters unnecessarily killing the buffalo for sport?
What is Twain’s perception of those who greedily accumulate wealth?
What is Twain’s opinion on perceived vulgarity?
What commentary does Twain make regarding man’s cruelty?
What is Twain’s view of those who kill in the name of patriotism and religion?

5. Summary Writing
You will now write a solid paragraph (no less than 8 sentences) explaining your thoughts on this article—do you agree with Twain’s claims that Man is the lowest animal? Why or why not? You MUST cite specific examples from the essay (at least one citation is needed and no more than two).
***this must be typed, in MLA format and printed for class on MONDAY.
ATTACH YOUR ANNOTATION SHEET (GREEN) TO YOUR SUMMARY WRITING

6. Performance Task
Imagine you work for a newspaper—your boss has asked that you create a comic strip version of this essay.
Requirements:
Must be 5-7 boxes
Each box must contain a caption
Each box must have some (or full) color
Must get across the satirical tone Twain intended