* Social Commentary: Twain was a keen observer of social injustices and inequalities. He used satire to expose the hypocrisy and exploitation faced by the lower classes in his time. Works like "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Gilded Age" highlight the struggles of impoverished people, slaves, and marginalized communities.
* Empathy and Understanding: Twain was deeply empathetic towards the struggles of the underprivileged. He saw their humanity and resilience amidst hardship, and he sought to give them a voice through his writing. He wanted to expose the human cost of societal structures that often overlooked or mistreated the less fortunate.
* Challenging Conventional Norms: By focusing on the perspectives and experiences of lower-class citizens, Twain challenged conventional social norms and the prevailing narratives of his time. He aimed to break down class barriers and expose the flaws of a society that often prioritized wealth and privilege over human dignity.
* Humor as a Tool: Twain used humor as a powerful tool to deliver his social critiques. He understood that humor could engage readers, make them think critically, and expose the absurdity of societal flaws without being overly didactic.
* Personal Experience: Twain's own experiences shaped his perspective. He grew up in a frontier society, where he witnessed firsthand the inequalities and struggles of everyday people. His own financial setbacks and encounters with prejudice informed his desire to shed light on the plight of the lower classes.
In summary, Mark Twain used satire to critique social injustices, champion the human dignity of the lower classes, challenge conventional norms, and provoke critical thinking in his readers. His focus on these characters was not just a literary choice but a reflection of his deeply held beliefs about social equality and justice.