Should The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn be required in school? Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” is said to be one of the greatest American novels to ever be written and is what all other pieces of American literature are based off of. The novel has been debated for over an entire century and will continue to be debated for much longer. Never the less, Huckleberry Finn teaches young students and adults the important life lessons. ”The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain should remain required reading in American Literature classes because it enlightens students about the horrors of racism and slavery, familiarizes students with the South during time period, and properly portrays the powers of conformity. Throughout the entire novel there are numerous examples of slavery and racism of African Americans in this time period. The use of what some may see as racial slurs in the novel is the vernacular of the average person in the South. While traveling down the river with Jim, Huck conveys, “I see is wasnt no use wasting words you can’t learn a nigger to argue. So I quit” (80). This is a strong example of how Huck uses the word nigger in a non-derogatory way. Huck uses it as many uses the word man. Many students and parents view this type of the word in a demeaning and racist way. Many people are led astray because of the word and do not understand what the word really means. Although today the English language has morphed and changed to suit society’s needs, the word nigger has become a slanderous word used to speak downley on an African American. In the times of Huckleberry Finn slaves like Jim did not take offense to the word because that is what they titled black slaves. Many believe Jim is portrayed... ... middle of paper ... ...ever heard of getting a prisoner loose in such an old-maidy way as that?"(243). Huck being with Tom really affects how he looks at Jim not getting him out when they could but going along with the plan when they could have gotten him out much quicker. Ultimately, Mark Twain’s ageless classic, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” should remain taught in schools. There are many lessons to be taught and learned by reading and understanding Huckleberry Finn. Although some sources may say that a child can pick up this book and think it is ok to lie, ok to steal and ok to be blasphemous, this is not the case (Culture Shock). If future students are unable to read and comprehend the book they will be less off than other students. Society should not ban a book from schools that allows students to learn about our ancestors just because it is offensive to some individuals.
The lessons Mark Twain teaches throughout his book are vital for every High School student to experience. One of the major points for arguing that The Adventure’s of Huckleberry Finn should be banned is the repetitive and overuse of the N word. On a surface level, the way the N word is used could seem very disrespectful however as one dives deeper into analysis, Twain seemingly uses the N word loosely to portray a message. Throughout the book, Jim is always looked upon with a negative attitude and being just a typical black person because of these traits. However, as Huck and Jim venture along the Mississippi river, Huck begins to act more and more like Jim is an actual person. A prime example of this is when Huck says “they’re comin for us” (Twain 63) rather than saying they’re coming for you. Huck sees him and Jim as a relationship rather than just him and a slave. Another example is when Huck says, “It was 15 minutes before I could work myself up to go and humble myself to a n----” (89). Huck’s apology shows how Huck’s mindet towards not only Jim but all black people has changed, and that he actually has feelings for them now. The overall lesson tha...
Paula Lieder is a high school English teacher, and in her classroom while teaching this novel, she leads the class in discussions about racism and slavery. Lieder says that when reading this book “the discussion of race and prejudice must occur.” Her class also discusses the controversy of the book and the use of the word “nigger” (Lieder). When reading this novel students may ask themselves questions about the use of the word “nigger” and how it affects the book like Holbrook did. It’s obvious that Mark Twain was a good writer, and he knew what he was writing. So why would he use the word “nigger” repeatedly? (“Huckleberry Finn”) Holbrook would say it’s because Twain wants the reader to feel disgusted and upset. In order for Twain to get his readers to understand the hurtful nature of this word, he hit them with it over and over (“Huckleberry Finn”). Huckleberry Finn also stirs students’ imaginations while presenting information about human nature. Leo Marx says in Sharon Rush’s article,
First off, I would like to ask you if you think Huckleberry Finn should be banned from society? With that question in mind I would like to tell you why it should not. The Novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, according to an offended citizen, that the novel "should be removed from schools curriculum and expunged from public library shelves." This novel is already banned from all black schools and Christian schools for the profusely use of the "N" word and the insults of religion by Mark Twain. The "N" was used over 200 times throughout the course of the novel. Also, the actions of Huck and other negative characters in the novel does not help plead my case on why I disagree with this citizen. I disagree with this citizen and I think it should be allowed in schools curriculum and in libraries because it is a classic American novel and it shows how America has evolved as a nation. Huck Finn lies profusely in the novel, depicts African Americans negatively or using the "N" word, and his attitude is a negative influence on children today.
Many people feel that Huck Finn should be banned from schools. John H. Wallace presented several arguments against the novel. In particular, he felt strongly about how demeaning the book is towards African Americans and that they are offended by language used within it (Wallace). For example, in the book, Aunt Sally asks if anyone was hurt and he says, “No’m. Killed a n****r” (Twain 221). This implies that slaves were worthless. Considering the treatment the African Americans have received in the past few hundred years, it is completely understandable that they are bothered by this. Wallace also feels that Twain chooses terrible role
Most of the book's attackers focus on the use of "the N-word." They ask, "How can you ask kids to go home and read the word nigger' 200-something times in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and then except kids to come back to school and not use the word?". They argue "There are a lot better ways to combat racism and all than to use every racially offensive word 6 thousand times in a novel". Others suggest that the reason they want Huck Finn banned is because of what they perceive as the degrading depiction of the runaway slave Jim, who "is made to look, act, and sound stupid". It is even stated that "most parents, teachers, schools would agree that censorship is necessary to maintain a good environment for
Life in the late eighteen hundreds was very different from the life we know today. Not only was there more inequality, there were also more health concerns and lapses in education. Mark Twain, in his book “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” has given us a special look into the past through the eyes of a young boy. Though this book is one of, if not the most highly criticized books in the American school system, it is also one of the most highly renowned. Through the criticism, Twain has given us a golden reflective opportunity.
One word has held The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn out of many high schools and libraries, kept kids from reading this amazing novel, and sparked controversy all across America. This is considered one of the greatest stories of all time, but kids are kept from reading it because of the “n word” used over 200 times. While it’s offensive to some people, that does not mean all children should be kept from it, because maybe some children are not offended. We need to teach this novel in high school because it shows history kids need to know, kids need to read this great novel, and it is actually an anti-slavery story.
Another reason why keeping the “N” word in the book is because it will show students that racism back in the 1840’s wasn't a joke and was in fact real. The ‘N” word was a very common thing to say back in the 1800’s, because it was a way of describing a slave for example when Huck says the following in the passage "Jim was monstrous proud about it and he got so he couldn't hardly notice the other niggers. Niggers come miles to hear Jim tell about it and he was more looked up to than any nigger in that country." This shows that even as someone as young as Huck didn't have a problem calling someone the “N” word since it was so common back then. When students finish reading this book it will give them a new perspective in life and teach them many things just like this book taught me.
Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is a book that is highly censored, and even banned in some schools. It is a book wrote for children, which many people find controversial. A debate popular in high schools today is whether or not we should expose students to certain issues or if we should be sensitive to them. Michael Kreyling, an English Professor, stated “If it isn’t a dangerous book, there really is no reason for anybody to read it or teach it.” His statement was correct and there is a lot of evidence of this. Books that contain sensitive topics can open up a student’s minds and make them think about real issues going on in the world.
Frances W. Kaye suggests that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is an essential milestone in American literature. This powerful novel is structured around slavery and racism. Removing those elements from the novel serves to change the story itself thereby eliminating its effect. The novel wouldn’t be the novel that it is (1 of 21). Frances W. Kaye discusses the continuing significance of Huckleberry Finn, it emphasizes that the book marks over racism in the white society. She tells the reader that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is beautiful, cruel and is indecisive. The novel is the bondage of two people and their fight for someone’s freedom. She points out that readers must read carefully because this was written his Twain’s time and the language was different. She tells us that “nigger” was meant for black people back then so she has quoted us what Huck said in the novel “Good gracious! Anybody hurt?” “No’m. Killed a nigger”. “Well, it’s lucky; because sometimes people do get hurt. (Chapter 32)1 Frances W. Kaye tells us that if Twain opinion of slavery ends up being surprising, she believes that Twain opinion o...
The novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is an extremely important work of literature that addresses many world problems such as poverty, race relations, and our role in society. Although some of these issues are not as prevalent today as they were in the 1880s, the novel still sends an important satirical message to anyone who is willing hear this story. This essay will analyze Huckleberry Finn and its relation to society today; the main issues that are addressed include: Huckleberry’s growth as a moral and upstanding person, race relations between African-Americans and Caucasian-Americans including Huck’s relation to Jim and the issue of slavery, the role of society and an analysis of Huck’s role in society and society’s role in Huckleberry’s personality. In the book, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the protagonist is faced with many moral dilemmas. Huckleberry Finn is barely an adolescent who is used to skipping school and horsing around with his friends.
Overall, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn displays many themes that are still highly relevant to Americans today, and lives up to the title of a “timeless piece of literature”. Huckleberry’s personal growth from the beginning of the novel until the end is chalked full of valuable lessons that many coming of age individuals learn, no matter the time period. There are many ways in which the concepts of slavery, religion, and family have evolved since the time of Huckleberry Finn, but there are certain overreaching themes that will forever be relevant due to the nature of the human
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, is an immensely realistic novel, revealing how a child's morals and actions clash with those of the society around him. Twain shows realism in almost every aspect of his writing; the description of the setting, that of the characters, and even the way characters speak. Twain also satirizes many of the foundations of that society. Showing the hypocrisy of people involved in education, religion, and romanticism through absurd, yet very real examples. Most importantly, Twain shows the way Huckleberry's moral beliefs form amidst a time of uncertainty in his life.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a rare classic That is praised highly and widely read. After world war 2 it has become required by most of nations high school and middle schools. It addressed many of the cold war needs it addressed more needs than any other major novel of the nineteenth century American literature and the use of dialect and regional settings in it made it seem like an authentically and distinctively American story. It also spoke to the largest contradiction in American history which is the existence of slavery and the racial prejudice in a country dedicated to liberty and equality. Huckleberry Finn is one of americas undeniably great novels, is also perhaps the most entertaining. It is also on of the greatest example
Mark Twain used his extensive knowledge on society and its hidden impurities to vividly reflect the novel’s symbols to applicable real-world issues. The novel’s enormous impact and notorious relevance at the time of its publication are big factors to why the novel is still referred to as such an important piece of American Literature. Mark Twain proved to be strikingly successful in shaping The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn into a literary masterpiece by embellishing the novel with the proper literary devices and meaningful