To the Person Sitting in Darkness by Mark Twain

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Author Twain, Mark, 1835-1910
Title To the Person Sitting in Darkness
Note Reading ease score: 67.0 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
Credits Produced by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed
Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
produced from images generously made available by The
Internet Archive)
Summary "To the Person Sitting in Darkness" by Mark Twain is a satirical essay written in the early 20th century. This piece critiques American imperialism and the hypocrisy surrounding the exportation of "civilization" to colonized nations. Twain uses sharp wit and irony to illustrate the moral contradictions inherent in the so-called blessings of civilization as it is imposed upon other peoples under the guise of benevolence. In the essay, Twain addresses the dark realities of imperialist actions, particularly concerning the Philippines and other nations perceived as "sitting in darkness." He contrasts the noble ideals of love, justice, and mercy proclaimed by Western powers with the brutal realities of military aggression and exploitation carried out in their name. Through vivid examples, Twain demonstrates how Western nations justify their imperialist endeavors, highlighting the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the colonizers and the true cost borne by the colonized. Ultimately, the essay serves as a powerful indictment of imperialism, revealing the often hidden motivations driving colonial powers and questioning the righteousness of their civilizing missions. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class D: History: General and Eastern Hemisphere
Subject South African War, 1899-1902
Subject Philippines -- History -- Philippine American War, 1899-1902
Subject China -- History -- Boxer Rebellion, 1899-1901
Subject Imperialism
Category Text
EBook-No. 62636
Release Date
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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