Questions About The War Prayer

by Mark Twain

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Answered Questions (4)

Why haven't you read this yet?

Wifee I have read the story, just trying t get a better understanding for critical thinking.

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what effects does the second prayer have on the first?

Ameer Hamza The second prayer questions the validity of first prayer.l
…moreThe second prayer questions the validity of first prayer.l
(less)

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Answers to questions What contrast does the author drawing??

Ameer Hamza

This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)

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What symbol or phrase was most powerful to you? Why do you think Mark Twain uses irony or dark humor to critique? How do you think his own experiences in the war shaped this critique and what phrase or critique can you offer of the story?

Freddy Abraham Ponder this — keep it in mind. If you would beseech a blessing upon yourself, beware! lest without intent you invoke a curse upon your neighbor at the…morePonder this — keep it in mind. If you would beseech a blessing upon yourself, beware! lest without intent you invoke a curse upon your neighbor at the same time.

All wars are, by their very nature, nasty and destructive, as the finest of our youth at the orders of the oldest, perish or are permanently disfigured in conflict. Most wars are commissioned by the topmen of the hierarchy, those who have never been in a real conflict or faced personal danger or injury. Wars are heavily sustained by a suffocating blanket of misinformation or miscommunication, in death, murder, rape, torture, incarceration and ruin. War always destroys wealth and liberty and it can eradicate civilizations.
Wars need to end as there are no victories, and as Benjamin Franklin noted “there was never a good war or a bad peace”

The irony:
Mark Twain wrote The War Prayer during the U.S. war on the Philippines, submitted it for publication, but on March 22, 1905, it was rejected as unsuitable by Harper’s Bazaar. Twain then wrote to his friend Dan Beard, “I don’t think the prayer will be published in my time. None but the dead are permitted to tell the truth.”
“The War Prayer” remained unpublished until 1923.(less)

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