What Does The Word Nigger Mean In Huck Finn

1797 Words4 Pages

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, sequel to The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a novel by Mark Twain which was published in United States of America in 1885. Set in the setting of America during the pre-civil war days, this novel portrays the clear picture of Racism and Slavery prevalent at that period of time. Although, Mark Twain wrote the novel after slavery was abolished, but he set the novel during the time when slavery was still a fact of life. He wrote the novel after the end of the Civil War, especially at the time when America and especially the South were still struggling with racism and the after effects of slavery. The novel redefines the definitions of “freedom” and “civilization”, “right” and “wrong”. This novel symbolizes the …show more content…

The word “nigger” is taken as a derogatory term by modern day Americans. The use of word “nigger” by twain, simply reflected the time when racism is common in America, and the use of such a word against the blacks was considered to be common and was not given a second thought. Mark Twain in his novel describes a time when the cruel and unjust treatment of blacks were common. The blacks were considered to be “mere property” without any emotions or personalities. For example, Jim was initially known to be a property of Miss Watson. He was even sold to another family .When Huck talks to Aunt Sally about a supposed explosion, Twain describes the white South’s regard to the black …show more content…

The research scholar will work on to give a clear insight on the treatment meted to the blacks by the whites.

1.2 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study would emphasize on the rigid racist societies of America and about the whole concept of Slavery. This study would help in understanding the culture and lifestyle prevalent in America before and after the American Civil War. It would also involve the concept of racism and the rules and the mindset of the racist society. This study would also give us a clear insight on the cruel and unjust treatment given to the blacks by the other members of the society.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1. To discuss the portrayal of racism in the novel and about the rigid and the racist society of America before and after Civil War.
2. To discuss the cruel treatment meted out to the blacks before and after the American Civil

Open Document