The word choice in this passage illustrates the novel’s attitude toward Black people. By referring to them sarcastically as “the lords of creation” and also as “creatures of low intelligence,” the novel dehumanizes Black people (by calling them “creatures,” not people), and suggests that they’re way overstepping to try and take power for themselves. This is how the South justifies creating the KKK. The KKK is a “
tragic necessity,” subtly suggesting Southerners don’t actually want to murder Black people. But still, they see violence as the only way to hold onto power.