Free Essays - Social Ills Exposed in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

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Social Ills Exposed in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Mark Twain wrote The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in 1883. The

novel deals with many problems of society. Huck Finn "can't stand"

hypocrisy, greed and "sivilz"ation, qualities that are still present today.

One trait shown in Huck Finn is hypocrisy. In Twain's other novels,

as well as Huck Finn, Twain is very critical of the hypocrisy of organized

religion. Early in Huck Finn, Huck is confronted with two different

versions of heaven. Miss Watson's view of heaven is not appealing to Huck.

In her heaven, all that one does is sing and play the harp. Huck does not

like Widow Douglas' much either, but it is better than Miss Watson's. Huck

would rather be free to do as he pleases. Slavery is also hypocritical

with Christianity. Slave owners would make slaves believe that God loves

all people, which is contrary to the belief that slaves are inferior. The

southern view of gentlemen is also hypocritical. These "gentlemen" are

supposed to be noble, yet they own slaves and kill each other. They take

part in feuds, even when they cannot remember the cause. They kill each

other in duels for no reason, but say that it was in the name of honor.

All of this hypocrisy makes Huck want to rebel against this society.

Hypocrisy is still present in society today. There are many

reported cases of clergy having affairs or molesting children. For

instance, Reverend Baker has had relationships with prostitutes. He always

apologizes, but then he does it again. One of the precepts of the Catholic

religion is to follow the instructions of the Pope. Many Catholics however,

do not follow the Pope's instructions on birth control or abortion.

Government officials are also hypocritical. They preach family values, yet

often they do not follow these values. Senator Packwood resigned from the

Senate for his actions. Dick Morris lost his job and his respect over an

affair with a prostitute. Most aspects of today's society involve

hypocrisy.

Another trait that Huck hates is greed. He is kidnaped by his

greedy, alcoholic father. Huck's father beats him for his money when

Huck's wealth is discovered. While on the Mississippi, Huck and Jim come

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