Background and Context
The novel ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’, written by Mark Twain, is considered as one of the greatest books in American literature. It was first published in 1884, but has since seen multiple adaptations and reprints. It has served as an inspiration and basis for many classic books, plays and even films.
The novel follows the story of 13-year-old Huck Finn – an outcast in society. Huck, accompanied by an escaped slave Jim, navigates down the Mississippi River, observing human nature along the way. While the story covers many controversial topics like racism, prejudice and injustice, Twain’s use of tone, style, characterization and dialogue strikes a balance between a perspective of criticism and humour.
When Was Huckleberry Finn Written ?
Mark Twain began writing ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ in 1876, shortly after publishing its prequel ‘Adventures of Tom Sawyer’. It took him several years of constant rewrites to complete the novel. In March 1883, Twain finally finished the first draft of the work.
In the following months, Twain underwent multiple revisions to ensure that the novel conformed to the standards of the publishing house publishing it. The revisions ended in October 1883, and the novel reached the printing press in early 1884.
The first published version of ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ was released in the United States on December 10, 1884, followed by a British edition two months later.
Themes of The Novel
The novel features powerful themes of justice and freedom throughout. Twain sheds light on the hypocrisy of racist values and addresses underlying class issues.
Despite this, some of the novel’s themes are portrayed more humorously, making it an enjoyable read. Twain is particularly noted for his portrayal of the good-natured ‘character’ of Tom Sawyer.
The river effectively serves as a main character in the book and symbolizes an idyllic land, free from society’s injustices. It acts as the setting for Huck and Jim’s journey and is filled with conflict and humour, which makes it a comprehensive narrative.
The Writing Style of Twain
Twain is renowned for his writing style, which combines humor with moral commentaries. He utilizes dialect, satire and irony to his advantage, in order to criticize certain aspects of the Southern American lifestyle.
The novel was originally intended to be an exploration of the de-moralizing influences of modern civilization, yet Twain managed to conquer this respect with humor and light-heartedness.
Though using regional dialect, amidst his rough humour, Twain also includes deeper musings, as he often pauses to contemplate philosophical themes in a meaningful manner.
The Meaning Behind the Title
The title ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ encapsulates the novel’s setting, protagonist and themes. Huck Finn is a adventurous, clever and mischievous young boy who is determined to live a better life.
Huck’s journey and experiences put forth illuminating perspectives of the major themes in the novel, such as justice, freedom and morality. His adventures with Jim on the Mississippi River include iconic scenes which are beloved by readers.
Reception and Legacy
‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ is cited as one of the greatest creations of American literature, and has often been the subject of controversy. Audiences have had mixed reception over the years, citing the novel’s frequent use of profanities and use of the word ‘n**ger’ as a source of contention.
However, the novel continues to be widely appreciated, and has seen multiple adaptations into plays and films. The novel has also served as an inspiration and basis for many subsequent books, most notably in Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’.
Influence on Future Authors
‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ by Mark Twain has had a major influence on many American authors and their work. Many consider it to be the ‘great American novel’.
The novel’s themes and message have inspired authors from Ernest Hemingway to Harper Lee. It has also been seen as a path-breaking work, for introducing the use of American vernacular speech and humour in writing.
Twain’s themes of justice and morality have resonated with readers over the years, and his approach to writing has remained a major influence on many authors.
Gathering Data and Market Reception
Various editions of ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ have sold over 25 million copies, making it one of the most widely read books in the world.
Its reception has remained mostly positive over the years. Critics often cite the book’s accuracy, tragedy and humour as sources of success. The novel has been awarded with the ‘William Dean Howells Medal’, the ‘Gurney Messenger Prize’ and the ‘Lloyd Alexander Award’.
Several adaptations have been released, from stage performances to full-length films. Numerous animated versions have also been produced. It has also served as a model for many book covers and artwork pieces.
The Impact of Huckleberry Finn
Twain’s novel has sparked much debate over its use of language, controversial topics and racial profiling. It has been taught in numerous colleges and has its own library dedicated to its research. Its themes continue to be implemented in various classes and literature.
The novel’s release paved the way for much of the literature and cultural that is seen today. Its cultural importance and its lasting impact on society is a testament to the success of Twain’s work – something generations of readers globally can appreciate.
