| Kurt Vonnegut has been heavily influenced by Mark Twain, from his use of themes to the techniques he uses to communicate those themes to the reader. While minimal connections have been made between the two writers, an in-depth study of the major themes and techniques that Vonnegut borrowed from Twain has not been done. They both attack social evils, such as technology and war, through similar techniques, such as speaking of humans as machines and the use of a supernatural being to show a new perspective to humanity. They also theorize on similar philosophical ideas, such as the question of whether or not man is determined or has free will. Both also debate whether or not the Moral Sense, the ability to distinguish right from wrong, is a positive step toward evolution away from the animals or if it shows regression instead.;Vonnegut has proven himself very knowledgeable of not only the popular works of Twain, such as Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer, but also of works, such as Life on the Mississippi. Also, he has shown himself to be knowledgeable in the backgrounds of several of the works, most notably the connection between A Connecticut Yankee and the Paige typesetter. Additionally, in his writings, he has used scenes from Twain's minor, one might almost say obscure, works, such as "A Washoe Joke.";However, what ultimately separates the two writers is their final views on mankind. Twain shows the reader that humanity, including himself, is composed of cowards, and therefore should be despised and mocked. Vonnegut, while also recognizing that mankind is shallow and full of failings, embraces humanity and sees them as pitiable and deserving of compassion. |
