The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Boyish wonder and charm are part of the magic that makes Mark Twain'snovel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn such a successful story. It isthrough the eyes of a young boy that we are able to catch a glimpse of theera in which Twain lived. The character of Huckleberry Finn reflects thecharacteristics, circumstances, and lifestyles of society in the south.This paper will examine how Twain stylishly weaves the serious socialissues of his day into Huck's comical adventures. Everett Emerson notes that part of the reason why Huckleberry Finn is sopopular is because through Huck, Twain could "free himself for a time fromthe inhibitions of the culture that one whole side of him had chosen toembrace. Through Huck the novelist who had chosen to be civilized escapesmore completely and out of greater need than young Samuel Clemens ever had"(Everett 216). The southern culture that existed just after the Civil Warprovides fertile ground for this novel. Undoubtedly, when we read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn we becomeaware that most of Huck's mischievousness comes from the fact that heexperienced a troubled childhood. As a result of his years with hisfather, Huck proved himself to be challengi
(Lauriat)Because of Huck's past, he is mischievous and supposedly uneducated. I says I'll never vote again" (259-60). He knows that Jim is a good person thatcares about him and, as a result of his introspection, tears up the letter. Huck later tells us, "Jim knowed all kinds ofsigns" (271). He even decides that if he has to go to hell because of tearing up theletter so be it. He also becomes awareof the fact that Jim is his friend and not just a slave. Thinks I, what is this country comin to'" . From hispoint of view, they are the catalyst for his adventures. A Saturday Review of TheAdventures of Huckleberry Finn claims that Huck "is a walking repository ofthe juvenile folklore of the Mississippi Valley -- a folklore partlytraditional among the white settlers, but largely influenced by intimateassociation with the negroes" (Saturday Review). In conclusion, Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is awonderful coming of age story that is appealing because of Huck's boyishcharm. After he writes the letter, he feels "good and all washedclean of sin for the first time I had ever felt so in my life" (381). Huck also learns from Jim the true meaning of friendship.
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