Which sentence in the excerpt from Mark Twain’s “The Million …

English Questions

Which sentence in this excerpt from mark twain‘s “the 1,000,000 bank note” is an example of satire

Short Answer

The example illustrates satire by mocking the notion of resolving serious conflicts with a casual bet, highlighting the absurdity of trivializing important issues. It critiques societal norms and prompts readers to reconsider their own approaches to conflict resolution through the use of irony and humor.

Step-by-Step Solution

An example of satire here is: “Those two old brothers had been having a pretty hot argument a couple of days before, and had ended by agreeing to decide it by a bet, which is the English way of settling everything.”

Step 1: Understanding Satire

Satire is a literary technique where authors use humor, exaggeration, and irony to highlight and criticize human behavior or societal norms. It serves to expose flaws in individuals, groups, or institutions. Through satire, writers aim to provoke thought and stimulate change in people’s attitudes towards particular subjects.

Step 2: Analyzing the Example

The chosen example reflects satire through its ironic tone. The phrase “the English way of settling everything” mocks the idea that resolving deep issues can be reduced to a mere game of bets. This highlights a critique of the perceived casualness with which serious matters are treated, showcasing the absurdity of the situation.

Step 3: Recognizing the Irony

Irony is central to satire, and in this instance, it emphasizes the ridiculousness of using a bet to solve conflicts. This sarcastic portrayal suggests that a more thoughtful and serious approach is necessary for real issues rather than trivializing them. The use of humor encourages readers to reflect on their own conflict resolution methods.

Related Concepts

Satire

A literary technique that uses humor, exaggeration, and irony to criticize human behavior or societal norms

Irony

A rhetorical device or figure of speech in which the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning, often used in satire to highlight absurdities

Critique

A detailed analysis and assessment of something, in this case, highlighting flaws or issues within societal norms or behaviors through satire.

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