Background of Mark Twain and the Publication of Huckleberry Finn
Mark Twain was the pseudonym of Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835–1910), a celebrated American author and humorist who wrote the classic novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and its sequel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Mark Twain was an icon of American literature. He was born in Florida, Missouri and went on to become a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River before setting his sights on writing.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was Twain’s second novel and was first published in 1884. This novel centers around the character, Huck Finn, and his journey to freedom with the runaway slave, Jim. The novel has been praised for its candid and honest portrayal of pre-Civil War Southern society, as well as its colloquial style of writing, which captures the everything-goes attitude of the Old South.
The plot of the novel follows as Huck and Jim navigated their raft and the Mississippi River, with a blend of humor, insight, adventure, and moral growth. The novel’s allegorical themes of social injustice and oppressive values remain salient today. It is widely considered one of the great American novels and has been the source of inspiration, influence, and controversy since its publication.
Structure and Language of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has a non-linear structure that follows the episodic events in Huck and Jim’s journey. The novel is also a great example of Twain’s signature use of language. He uses a range of dialects to authentically reflect the various characters in the novel, drawing from Southern, Appalachian, and African-American English. Twain was able to accurately portray a diverse range of voices.
His language can be considered a landmark in American literature. The novel’s language has the distinct feeling of being submerged in the water, almost like poetry. This can be seen through the metaphorical description of Jim and Huck’s canoe and the crashing of the waves when the two are on their journey as they face danger and family. His command of language has also been noted for its lack of overdramatic stereotypes of black characters.
Themes of Huckleberry Finn and Its Cultural Impact
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn portrays themes of freedom and adventure, such as running away from home, breaking societal norms, and encountering danger that Huck does not understand at a young age. In addition, the novel displays iconic themes of the hypocrisy of racism, friendship, and morality that most readers could relate to.
The novel has also been credited with bringing attention to the lives of runaway slaves and fostering an interest in the plight of people of color during the years prior to the American Civil War. Moreover, Huck Finn has a comedic quality that allowed Twain to simultaneously discuss racial injustice and social ills. He employs subtle irony and sarcasm to punctuate his critiques.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has been adapted for film, television, and Broadway, and continues to be an influential source of debate. It is widely considered to be one of literature’s greatest works and is a beloved part of the American canon.
Legacy of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is one of Twain’s most iconic and enduring works of literature. It has become a major part of the American literary canon, with its themes of freedom, adventure, and morality still resonating today.
As a beloved classic, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn commands its place in the list of required reading in high school English classes. Critics cite the novel’s strong use of language, its attention to class struggles, and its ability to explore unchecked racism in the South of the United States.
In spite of its occasional controversy, the novel’s powerful characters and its honest reflection of pre-Civil War days have made it a fascinating read for students and literary fans alike. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has stood the test of time and will continue to inspire today’s readers for years to come.
Whitesplaining: The Ongoing Nature of the The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has often been used as a tool of whitesplaining, in which white people attempt to simplify or explain away racism. While the novel certainly serves as a reminder of the history of slavery and racism in the United States, it should not be used to exonerate those who are complicit in these systems of oppression.
White critics have been known to read the novel through the lens of white supremacy, in which they downplay and even defend the racism found in the novel. They often claim that the novel is a critique of racism, when in fact it is ultimately a story of a white boy learning to come to terms with his own complicity in racism. This interpretation of the novel is dangerous and does a disservice to the characters of color in the book.
Twain was able to accurately portray a diverse range of voices and experiences, yet his novel has been used as a tool to ignore and erase the very real and painful history of racism in the United States. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn should therefore be read and discussed, but not treated as fact or an excuse for complacency.
Issues with Racism and Huckleberry Finn
Since its publication, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has faced intense criticism for its use of racist language. Twain addresses racism and the bigotry of the South, yet there are many uncomfortable moments where racism is used as a punchline, and at times it takes the form of discrimination against disabled and overweight characters.
Twain has also been blamed for not being honest or comprehensive about racism or for reinforcing the stereotypes of the Old South. While the novel does often contain racist characters such as the Grangerfords, it should not be forgotten that it also follows two characters from different races and social backgrounds who come together as friends. In this way, it provides an example of friendship between people of different backgrounds.
Regardless, racism remains an inconstant thought in people’s mind when reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. While it is not a centerpiece of the novel, it is present, and Twain’s use of language should be understood and appreciated, not taken at face value.
Authenticity and Context: An Ever Changing Narrative Around Huckleberry Finn
Huckleberry Finn is an example of realism in fiction, and Twain used his mastery of language and culture to accurately portray the customs and attitudes of the South during the time period of the novel’s publication. Yet, the novel does not exist in a vacuum; the context in which it is read and interpreted is constantly shifting. Even in 2021, racism has not been eradicated, and the novel still resonates with readers in the modern day.
Twain’s representation of race, slavery and racism remain a major part of the public conversation surrounding the novel. As such, we should remain open to changing interpretations and not be afraid to update our understanding of the novel. Hemingway said of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn that ‘all American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn.’ The novel continues to evolve as our society evolves, and its relevance remains as timeless as ever.
Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a classic novel that is both accessible and enjoyable to readers of all ages. To this day, the power of Huck and Jim’s story remains intense and enduring, and it continues to be an iconic work of literature.
