Societal Propriety
Invisible Man, by Ralph Ellison and Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain are both revolutionary novels about life and growing up. Huckleberry Finn is set in pre-Civil War times, while Invisible Man is set in the post-Civil War era. Although, these novels are set in eras that are vastly different, in many ways the societal beliefs and views are the same. Although, Invisible Man is set in the 1940's, a time of growth for black Americans, many people still held on to the old world beliefs of segregation from Huck Finn's time. Even Invisible Man (IM), who is a young Southern black man trying to better himself is shocked when an old war veteran talks to Mr. Norton, a college trustee in a manner that isn't submissive and reverential. "Men like us did not look at a man like Mr. Norton in that manner"(Invisible Man, 90). IM is a free man, he is no man's chattel, unlike Jim in Huckleberry Finn. Even so, he is still subjected to the cruel behavior of the upper and middle class whites of society in the Battle Royal. "There was nothing to do but what we were told," remarked IM when he was blindfolded and forced to fight for the pleasure of the white society (Invisible Man, 21). While being forced to fight he was
A journey through the character's awakenings. further subjected to the rude and barbaric comments and behavior of the supposed "civilized' whites, who ironically found entertainment in this uncivilized entertainment. He says, "You're black and living in the South-did you forget how to lie" (Huckleberry, 139). When he begins to realize the magnitude of his treachery in helping Jim he tries to justify it to himself. In Huckleberry Finn, however; his naivete is somehow a good thing. And he does eventually, give into his heart and rescue Jim from being returned to Miss Watson, and to slavery, by saying, "All right, then I'll go to hell" (Huckleberry, 207). If it weren't for his "uncivilized" behavior he never would have helped Jim to freedom. The main characters in both novels are plagued by their naivete. "I'll have the orange juice, toast, and coffee," he replies wondering if everyone can tell he's Southern (Invisible, 178). These novels were revolutionary for their times and will remain so throughout time. Huck Finn because he is "uncivilized" and IM because he is blind to the world around him. This too was for the entertainment of the "civilized' leaders of the community. It also shows how unclearly IM viewed this man whom he thought was honorable. But something inside of him keeps saying, "There was the Sunday-School, you could 'a' gone to it, and if you'd a done it they'd 'a' learnt you there that people that acts as I'd been acting about that nigger goes to the everlasting fire" (Huckleberry, 266). For, Huck had no reservations about nearly everything involving the "civilized" world and what was right and what was wrong.
Common topics in this essay:
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Acceptance Essays
