Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

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Is Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Huck Finn) worthy of all its critical acclaim, or merely an offensive piece of garbage that should be rid of its status as a masterpiece of American Literature? While praise for the novel abounds, it once was rejected by many high-society circles and remains one of the most controversial books in America. The American Library Association deemed it number five on the list of "100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990-1999” (Powell). Despite this notorious publicity, Ernest Hemingway’s claim that Huck Finn is “the best book we’ve got” is defended by many literary scholars today. In fact, the majority of high schools require students to read the novel. These schools perceive the precious truths of humanity that lie beneath the storyline’s surface. Huck Finn is a valuable, timeless work of art that is and will always remain a cornerstone of American Literature. It contains essential lessons that must never be forgotten, lest society return to the horrific conditions of its past.

The 1840s is a time most Americans would rather forget. In Huck Finn, Twain vividly paints a picture of daily life in the south during this momentous age. His descriptions often cause a certain level of discomfort. Many cringe at the use of the word “nigger” and the way African Americans are portrayed. This conversation between Huck and Aunt Sally illustrates the appalling view of slaves, “‘Good gracious! anybody hurt?’ ‘No'm. Killed a nigger.’ ‘Well, it's lucky; because sometimes people do get hurt’” (Twain 201). Slaves were harshly looked down upon and not even considered “people.” Aunt Sally’s reaction represents the typical view of slaves held by most Americans in the south. Scenes such as this intention...

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...ks Cited

Twain, Mark. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. New York: Barnes & Noble Books, 2008. Print.

Twain, Mark. Introduction. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. By Robert G. O’Meally. 2008. New

York: Barnes & Noble Books, 2008. Print.

Powell, Alvin. “Fight over Huck Finn continues: Ed School professor wages battle for Twain

classic.” The Harvard Gazette. Harvard University, 28 Sept. 2000. Web. 11 Feb. 2012.

"Themes and Construction: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Gale Student Resources In

Context. Gale, 2003. Web. 11 Feb.

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