Why might Mark Twain have written about lower-class citizens in his satires?

Mark Twain often wrote about lower-class citizens in his satires to highlight societal issues and critique the social hierarchy of his time. By focusing on the lives and struggles of ordinary people, Twain was able to:

1. Expose Social Inequities: Twain used his writing to reveal the injustices and inequalities faced by lower-class citizens, thereby criticizing the societal norms that perpetuated these conditions.

2. Challenge Authority and Tradition: By portraying the lower class sympathetically, Twain questioned the legitimacy of the established social order and the authority figures who maintained it.

3. Use Humor to Engage and Educate: Satire allowed Twain to use humor as a tool to engage readers and encourage them to reflect on serious social issues without feeling directly attacked or alienated.

4. Promote Empathy and Understanding: By giving a voice to the marginalized, Twain aimed to foster empathy and understanding among his readers, encouraging them to see the humanity in all social classes.

5. Reflect Realistic Perspectives: Twain's focus on lower-class citizens provided a more realistic and relatable perspective of American life, contrasting with the often idealized portrayals of the upper class.

Overall, Twain's satirical works served as a powerful vehicle for social commentary, using the experiences of lower-class citizens to challenge readers' perceptions and inspire change.