Comedy transports people to an alternative reality, in which humor is the narcotic that alleviates worldly concerns, such as an unfulfilling government. In America, there is a growing frustration with the stagnant government and its negligent politicians. Thus, in the short story “Cannibalism in the Cars”, Mark Twain propagates humor and discontent with American Congress through long-winded, descriptive incongruities, subtle but insightful irony, and unintentional, revealing self-thoughts. The short story began with the stranger sitting with Twain on the train ride westward. On the surface, the stranger seemed dull, but the tale depicted a more wicked individual. The monologue started with rambling about that fateful night was “…unobstructed …show more content…
With each pointless, long-winded detail, the audience believe more of the far-fetched tale because of the vivid imagery that was depicted. Thus, Twain engaged his audience by taking them to realities they did not expect to go; this intentional misdirection increased suspense so that when the unexpected is revealed, the audience is left dumbfounded. Their dumfoundedness at the anecdote absurdities resulted in realization of their own gullibility and humor is found through the anecdote’s incongruities and audience’s guilelessness. To prolong the gaiety of the audience, Twain subtly inserts irony in story. The educated stranger and his peers delightfully held “election by ballot” to determine “which [man] shall die to furnish food” for the assembly (Twain 2). However, the failure to reach a notion, prompted a “chairman… and proper officers” elected to the nomination chair, but a recess was motioned midway (Twain 2). Ironically the intelligent and highly civilized men would utilize their intellects to carry out the barbaric act of cannibalism. Plus, the parliamentary procedure and elections held resemble those of Congress, where progress can be