Huckleberry Finn – Morality of His Character
Many critics of Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn fail to see the morality and support of racial equality presented in this novel. June Edwards the author of "What's Moral About Huckleberry Finn" also believes that most critics do not understand Twain's method or completely ignore the satires used throughout the novel. Twain uses a unique method to make a point, including racial equality and Huck's highly moral personality.
In June Edward's opinion critics who try to censor Huckleberry Finn see Huck as a poor role model for teenagers. They pass this judgment because of his poor use of grammar and his repeated ability to lie. In Edward's article she points out many things that show Huck's morals along with the novels support of racial equality, which differs greatly with those who wish to censure Huckleberry Finn. Unlike most critics of this novel, I happen to agree with Edwards on her position on this novel.
One topic of disapproval of this novel is Huck's use of bad grammar making him a poor role model for today's youth. Huck's use of poor grammar reflects the culture that Huck lived in at that time in the south. I believe that if a person uses poor grammar in their speech, that is not a reflection of that person's personality or morality in any way. Huck proves countless times that he is a young man of high morals even if he is not highly educated.
Another criticism of Huck Finn is he tricks people into thinking he is something he is not. For example he posed as a girl in a town down the river to see the response to Huck and Jims disappearance. He acted in a similar manor when asked, by slave catchers who was accompanying him on his raft. Huck quickly created a story to protect his slave friend Jim from the feared slave catchers. Huck hides his identity numerous times to protect his friend Jim from danger and possibly death. It takes an extraordinary high moral person to take these kinds of personal risks to protect a slave especial during this time period in the south, but Huck is nothing of the ordinary.
Yet another source of criticism of Huckleberry Finn is that Mark Twain supports slavery and racial inequality demonstrated through Huck's actions. They believe that the constant use of the "N word" is disrespectful to the black community. I believe that the use of that word is a reflection on the culture not a display of racism. People say actions are stronger then words and this phase is perfect to describe Huck in this instance. He constantly puts himself in danger for his good friend Jim. Huck also could not stand how the King and the Duke disregarded the slave family's feelings in the decision to sell them to different families. " I can't ever get that out of my memory, the sight of them poor miserable girls and niggers hanging around each others neck crying..." (183) Huck could not stand watching the Duke and King continually swindle money from people when these people are deeply hurt by their actions. "It made my heart ache to see them getting fooled and lied to so." (183)
Huckleberry Finn is a novel that might offend those with narrow minds and misconstrued views of Mark Twains message but these people have missed the essence of this novel. This book is full of values, morals and further mare strides for racial equality.
Partner sites: Labrador Retriever, Study Spanish in Costa Rica, and Free Essays and Term Papers