The Perfidious "Peculiar Institution"
             In his controversial novel, Mark Twain exhibits his abolitionist views of the injustice and cruelty of slavery. Many instances of slavery depicted throughout the novel exemplify Twain's strong opposition to this "peculiar institution". The author satirically criticizes society for being insular and iniquitous toward slaves. At the onset of the novel, Huck embodies what Mark Twain negates about society's treatment of slaves, but once Huck separates from civilization, he comes to represent Twain's hope of improving society. Mark Twain draws on Jim, Miss Watson's slave, to represent the slave "institution" and to illustrate the treatment of slaves. In the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain vividly reveals the appalling veracities of slavery and, with satire, validates his opposition to it.
             As the story unfolds, Mark Twain distinctly separates "white" society from the "black" slaves; however, he also introduces Huck's unique and understanding practicality. Tom Sawyer, Huck's close friend, "...wants to tie Jim to the tree for fun. But [Huck] says no..." (Twain 15). Because of his background, nonconformity, and lack of education, Huck understands how humiliation feels and does not want to support Tom's idea. Miss Watson also demeans Jim as he recounts her saying that "she was [going to] sell him down to Orleans...because she could git eight hund'd dollars for [him], en it 'uz sich a big stack o' money she couldn' resis'" (Twain 50). Society treats slaves as property that distinctly belongs to the white culture. Through this, Mark Twain criticizes society for mocking and debasing slaves due to appearance and not valuing their feelings and emotions.
             As Huck travels down the Mississippi River, he discovers the run-away Jim hiding from society. They co...