Satire In Mark Twain's Advice To Youth

Celebrating its 135th anniversary this year, Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a classic of American literature and is read by millions across the nation every year. However, many claim that the book promotes and endorses the heinous act of racism. In their attacks on the classic, many of the book’s critics employ evidence such as the use of the n-word 211 times (Powers, 2010) and the novel’s repeated inferior depiction of African-Americans. Many supporters of the novel, though, hail it for being so controversial. They claim that the dialogue started when discussing the book is a great chance for students to broaden their views on many controversial topics. As Harris puts it (2000), "If it isn't a dangerous book, there

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a staple of many middle school, high school, and college English curriculums across the nation for its crucial lessons about race and slavery. Historian Peter Salwen explains that Twain’s colloquial dialogue is “a way to underscore the truth about the old south” and highlights Twain’s mastery of satire (B). Thus, his ability to use advanced literary tools to convey that slavery was a widespread epidemic in Southern white society makes his novel ideal for study in American classrooms. Apart from the value of the story is the value of the words with which it is told. As an alternative to banning the novel entirely, many of its opponents recommend censoring the N-word, particularly Twain scholar Alan Gribben, who led an effort to publish copies replacing the racial epithet with “slave” (F).

Since its publication in December of 1884, Mark Twain’s novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, has created a great deal of controversy in American society. This well-known story follows a troubled young boy and a run away slave as they adventure down the Mississippi in search of new lives. Huck Finn longs for freedom from both his father, and from the society he has been exposed to. Jim longs for freedom from slavery and racism. Readers have argued over the matter of whether or not this novel should be banned from schools due to the frequent use of the “n-word”. It has caused many to question Twain’s intensions throughout the book, and is often seen as offensive. Although slavery has remained a difficult and upsetting issue in our nations

The history of racial bigotry in the United States presents a challenge in the teaching English literature. Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn uses degrading terminology to portray the paternalistic nature of the South in the 19th century. The novel challenged African American inferiority in an era of unquestioned racial inequality, while simultaneously presenting an uncensored account of the treatment of African Americans. While Mark Twain commonly uses offensive Southern vernacular in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, removing the novel from school curricula negates the educational and satirical value of the book, which presents an unabridged illustration of racial discrimination in American history.

Today however readers can see the message behind Mark Twain’s satire much more clearly, as it does not mock us

Twain mentions on how we as teenagers and smaller kids should consider on hearing and thinking more when adults try to give us advice, because most of them have already been through what we are living now. On the lesson he gives us an advice on how becoming a better liar can make you a much smarter person in a very humorous and entertaining way.

“Huck Finn” story can be a debatable when it comes to history, and what the story is about. Some argue that Mark Twain’s abuse of using the “N” word triggers racism especially that this book was written when slavery became illegal. As one student said, "It is estimated that the word nigger is used 392 times which reinforces a negative stereotype of African Americans represented by the use of this derogatory word" (Jackson). Some can still argue that this book can be a bad influence to the youth as they might be using the “N” word as a racist rant. For some, it is very disturbing, upsetting, and bringing back the past.

It is odd to think that a high school student would pick up the word “nigger” and use it against another student because high school students have already been exposed to topics such as slavery and racism. Therefore, it would be unlikely for a student to use “nigger” against another student given the fact that race is still a “volatile and divisive subject” in this country and high school students is not ignorant infants that can’t distinguish the rights and wrongs about the word “nigger.” (Williams, Randle). At this point in time teenagers are exposed to excessive profanity through the media, music lyrics on TV and many times it is not censored. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn should be kept in library shelves and schools in its original form because students can receive moral lessons and therefore, mature as human beings. A big part about how a student can react to the novel is how the book is being taught. Teachers should acknowledge the intention and purpose of Mark Twain, which was to appeal to the reader 's emotions through the use of specific diction. Along with teaching the literary elements of the novel the teachers should also imply the ideas and controversies that are being presented in the novel. Twain’s purpose was also to capture the moments that defined the 1800s such as slavery and racism. After all, the novel should be taught in its original

There has always been controversy about if The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, should be read in schools or not because of the derogatory term “nigger”. Most people normally focus on that one word when deciding if it should be taught or not, while they miss the lessons the book has to offer. Before people decide, they should closely examine the book and realize it appeals to all ages, that the powerful language use is necessary, and the historical significance it continues to teach. The first thing they should look at is how the book appeals to all ages.

Ever since its publication over a hundred years ago, controversy has swarmed around one of Mark Twain’s most popular novels, Huck Finn. Even then, many educators supported its dismissal from school libraries. For post Civil-War Americans, the argument stemmed from Twain’s use of spelling errors, poor grammar, and curse words. In the politically correct 1990’s however, the point of argument has now shifted to one of the major themes of the book: Racism. John Wallace once said of the book, “It’s the most grotesque version of racist trash” ever written. Were Twain’s archetypal characters and use of vernacular language an assertion of his own racist views, or a critique of the injustice of

    Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn is perhaps one of the most controversial novels the North American Continent has ever produced.  Since its publication more than a hundred years ago controversy has surrounded the book.  The most basic debate surrounding Twain's masterpiece is whether the book's language and the character of Jim are presented in a racist manner.  Many have called for the book to be banned from our nation's schools and libraries.  Mark Twain's novel is about a young boy who was raised in the south before slavery was abolished, a place where racism and bigotry were the fabric of every day life.  The novel is the account of how Huck Finn, who is a product of these

Since The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was first published in January 1885, it has always been in trouble. It is considered the one book from which all modern American literature came, but was condemned in Mark Twain's time as coarse and vulgar, so it was banned from the shelves. Still controversial today, many school districts across the country have banned it from their curriculum for being racist. Unsurprisingly, this is nearly always at the insistence of those who have never even read the book. It is also no surprise that so many students have read it just to see what those guardians of their morals have found so offensive (Edwards p.2).

Mark Twain is satirizing the advice young people are given by authoritative figures on different issues in life. The words of wisdom used to guide youth usually promote the same ideals and are repeated so often that in some sense they lose their strength. That does not mean though that the issues they touch upon are not important. Twain uses humor to actually make young people go beyond the banality and conformity and ask questions of importance.

Like many of the classic American novels, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has become a pivotal component of American literature and society. Its imaginative story, and its reflection on social conflicts constitutes the story as one of the most riveting written works of, arguably, all times. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn continues to transcend throughout periods due to its controversial theme, racial prejudice, and it heartwarming story that journeys through the the interpersonal interactions between a Southern Caucasian boy and a black slave. This allegorical and satirical story touches upon subjects that during Mark Twain's time, were taboo and scoffed at, such as the humanity in slaves and non-white people. Twain's portrayal of a kind, intelligent Jim, instead of a savage, uncivilized beast-like figure, often portrayed as so during the Antebellum era, makes the story quite revolutionary and beyond its years. Nonetheless, due to its engrossing characteristics, the book continues to receive both negative as well as positive reviews that argue on the liability of its voice, and the effects on racial tensions. Thus, continues the division between those advocating for the removal of the book, those supporting the book, and those who believe the book’s mass use of the “n-words” should be censored. As an alternative path, for individuals who find the words to be insulting and harmful, a censored version of the book should be offered to particular schools who still wish to

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.