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“A Study on Human Nature in Twain’s Novels.” Studies on English Language & Literature. 36.1(2010): 1-19. This paper investigates Mark Twain’s critical attitude to human nature by analyzing two major novels. Because these novels illustrate the gradual change of Twain’s deepening pessimistic views on human nature. The first chapter pays close attention to the cruel and inhumane nature, for example, the conventional hypocrisy, materialism, violence and cruelty of the South. Through the raft-journey, Twain reveals his tragic view of human nature, but at the same time, shows his optimistic faith in Huck’s spiritual development. The next chapter presents an analysis of the social institutions of medieval society and the abuse of American technology in the 19th century. The battle between Hank and knights means that Twain abandons the optimistic view of technology and strengthens his doubt of human nature. Like this, Twain’s cynical attitude continues to appear in most of his novels through the emphasis of human cruelty or the mistrust of human nature. (Semyung University)