Huckleberry Finn Research Paper

Since its first publication in 1884, Mark Twain’s masterpiece The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has proven to be one of history’s most controversial novels; especially recently, the novel has often been banned by schools and censored by libraries. Characters in the book are constantly using disparaging language toward slaves, and the repeated use of the word “nigger” makes many sensitive and offended. Critics denounce the novel and Mark Twain as racist for this word being insulting and politically incorrect and for its depiction of black people and how they are treated. However, Twain was not attempting to perpetuate racism; on the contrary, he used satire to expose the ignorance and paradoxical views held by many in America at that time.

Have you ever needed to choose a friend? Tom should not have been friends with Huck Finn.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a coming of age novel set in the 1840’s in St. Petersburg, MO. Although written 20 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, America, especially in the south, was struggling with racism. The novel contains many thought provoking themes such as racism, social class, morals, and conforming to society’s expectations. Perhaps, one of the most important themes of the book is Huck’s refusal to conform to society’s rules or to be “Sivilized” by Widow Douglas. Throughout the novel Huck proves to the reader that staying true to himself rather than conforming to society’s expectations will allow him to live a more satisfied life.

In the books The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, there are many comparisons and contrasts. Although these two books are different their themes are closely related. The things that are compared and contrasted are racism vs. phoniness, education vs. growing up, and self-protection vs. the civilized society.

In the novel, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”, Mark Twain writes about Huck and the adventures his faces as he travels down the Mississippi River, along with his companion Jim. Throughout the story, Huck experiences obstacles that make him question society’s perspective and morals. As Huck spends more and more time with Jim, their friendship grow and Huck begins to see Jim as more than just a companion but a close friend. This causes Huck to challenge the morality behind slavery and ultimately decides to guide Jim to freedom. At this point in time, Huck has had an realization and decides to make his own path with his own beliefs and standards separating himself from society.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain has been seen as controversial since its original publication. It immediately faced objection by the south and religious groups because of Twains obvious and unrelenting attack on Southern society. As times have changed, however, the reader can now tell that, at the time, he was actually attacking the societal norms dealing with their views on morality and society. Through Huck, Twain questions the normality of Huck’s moral and societal views by his exclamation, “All right, the, I’ll go to Hell,” on page 162.

The widow Douglas adopted and tried to "civilize" Huck. The two sisters', one redeeming quality is their concern for Huck, which, though it possesses moralistic overtones, includes an element of sincerity, giving them some patience in dealing with the "uncivilized" Huck. Other than this, the sisters' role is to represent the artificial, empty civilization to which Huck rejects. As much as the widow Douglass tries to adopt conventional religion upon Huck, he continues to reject it. Before every meal the widow told Huck he had to say grace. Huck referred to this as having to "grumble" over the food before they could eat it (14).

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain was written during the Realism and Regionalism movement which went from 1840-1890. The key aspects of the movement are treat nature objectively and to communicate truthfully and objective views of modern life. Other aspects are to stay as close to reality as possible and to use more detail than plot which Mark Twain does in his writing. This movement has shaped many writers today. Mark Twain had an interesting life prior to writing books, he only went to school until he was 12 years old and still became such a great other. He sets some of his books in Missouri which is where Twain was from to make them a more realistic feel. Huck Finn from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn promotes facts over

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is the epitome of realism in American Literature. It also clearly shows the conflicts between nature and civilization as well as between humans and their ancient longing for freedom.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain follows juvenile Huckleberry Finn, the protagonist of the novel, and his companion, Jim, on their journey to seek refugee from society. Twain portrays Huckleberry as an astute and stalwart young man, whose personal sense of morality overrides society’s insular prejudices and focuses, instead, on his own integrity and values. Throughout the novel, Huck faces a number of situations that test his ability to decipher between right and wrong, despite the strong influences from societal conventions. Huck develops his own moral compass through experiences, such as suffering under an abusive father, helping a slave escape to freedom, and stealing money with swindlers.

The definition of success and greatness is disturbingly difficult to put a definitive stamp of approval upon. When determining what a “Great American novel” is, there are two fundamentals that are irrevocably essential:

A major theme in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is slavery and our evolvement towards the institution. “In fact, Twain’s novel is often taught as the text that epitomizes this tradition, with Huck held up as its exemplar: a boy courageous enough to stand against the moral conventions of his society. . .” (Bollinger, 32 – Say It Jim) In the beginning of Huckleberry Finn’s relationship with Jim, he has little respect for him and as their journey progresses he

To me personally, Mark Twain delivered a less-than-satisfying ending to a novel dealing with such savvy themes. Considering the time period in which he had written "Huckleberry Finn", the decision to "pull back a bit" is completely understandable, but I would've personally appreciated a stronger ending. This ending was rushed and inconclusive; no justice was served to anyone. As a result, Twain's main message against society's norms (specifically slavery) is rendered suffocated and buried in the middle contents of the book, undermined by a skin-deep "feel-good" ending - what is the point when a point is supposed to be made? The ending phrase gave me an impression that one may and should turn their back to social norms should he/she deem them

The movie Tom and Huck is a fantastic, action-packed movie. There are a lot of cliff-hangers and it keeps you watching and waiting to find out what happens.

Wow! What an amazing book. With so many fantastic attributes, I’d like to start off by acknowledging the risky move Twain takes in creating a novel around the context of the antebellum south; especially, during such a controversial time period. This story, though set during the era of slavery, could reach any intended audience ranging from age 12 and up, as long as they are avid readers with a genuine understanding of satire. Being that the dialects are a bit difficult to comb through, it may however take a longer time to complete than most would assume a 366 book would require. Nonetheless, this novel is able to completely and effectively create a dramatic, yet humorous story utilizing the themes of satire, intelligence, as well as slavery.