Cannibalism in the Cars
A traveler recounts a harrowing experience during a train journey from St. Louis to Chicago in December 1853. The train, carrying only twenty-four passengers, becomes trapped in a severe snowstorm on the prairie. As the days pass without food, the passengers' spirits plummet, and they face the grim reality of starvation. On the sixth day, desperation leads to a meeting where they discuss the unthinkable: deciding who among them will be sacrificed for the others to survive. Nominations are made, and a chaotic election ensues, reflecting the absurdity and horror of their situation. The process is marked by dark humor and a sense of grim practicality as they weigh the merits of each candidate based on their potential for sustenance. Eventually, a man is chosen, and the group prepares to feast on him. The narrative shifts from despair to a bizarre sense of camaraderie as they share their meals, each subsequent choice reflecting their growing desperation and the absurdity of their circumstances. The story culminates in the arrival of rescue, just after another election for breakfast, leaving the survivors to reflect on their ordeal. The tale is a darkly comedic exploration of human nature under extreme duress, highlighting themes of survival, morality, and the absurdity of societal norms when faced with life-and-death decisions. The protagonist's encounter with a fellow traveler, who recounts this story, leaves him both stunned and relieved to learn that the man is a former congressman, now a monomaniac, rather than a bloodthirsty cannibal. The narrative serves as a commentary on the fragility of civilization and the lengths to which people will go when pushed to their limits.
By Mark Twain · First published 1885 · Genre: Satire, Dark Comedy, Adventure · 3,919 words
First lines
[Written abort 1867.]
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Cannibalism in the Cars is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mark Twain, dated 1885 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Mark Twain
- Date: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Dark Comedy, Adventure, Gothic Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 3,919 words
- Structure: 1 section, 51 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Cannibalism in the Cars by Mark Twain
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Satire — The story critiques human nature and societal norms through dark humor and absurdity.
- Dark Comedy — The narrative employs humor in the face of grim circumstances, particularly the theme of cannibalism.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a perilous journey and the survival of characters in extreme conditions.
- Gothic Fiction — The themes of isolation, desperation, and the macabre elements contribute to a gothic atmosphere.
Tags
American Literature · Satire · Social Commentary · Humor · Dark Comedy · Cultural Critique · Travel Writing · Adventure Story · Coming of Age · Morality Tale · Fictionalized Nonfiction · Autobiographical Elements