The Controversy of Huckleberry Finn essays

The Controversy of Huckleberry Finn essays Huckleberry Finn, timeless classic, or modern day disgrace? Should it be banned? Or should it be continued to be taught? The answer is two-faced, because there is undoubtly some questionable themes and word choice. But on the other hand, if the material is presented in a mature way, with a discussion about the, questionable, racial material, Huck Finn really can be, and is, one of the greatest literary works of all time. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a classic piece of American literature, Twain takes a very funny, and very satirical viewpoint of many of society's flaws. The most prominent concept Twain attacks is the concept of slavery. Huck's battle of concious versus heart is shown at multiple times in the novel. With the climax of the novel when Huck decides he would rather burn in hell than turn Jim in. Apart from the climax, Twain does make fun of many of society's wrongs. For example, the Grangerfords and Shepardsons episode is satirizing people's false sense of honor and hipocracy as they go to church and listen to sermons about brotherly love and peace, while at the same time stroking their guns. Twain also takes a huge shot at religion. Huck complains that before he can eat he has to listen to the widow grumble over a few lines. Huck also says he would prefer hell over heaven because his friend Tom Sawyer would be there, and heaven seemed boring, with the harps and clouds and all. Many people have said that Jim is a racial sterotype. This, however, could not be further from the truth. How can Jim be a stereotypical slave if he was willing to care for Huck, after he had learned of Huck's father's passing away. Jim stayed with him on his journey down the Mississippi River even though he knew it was leading him straight into slave country where he was no doubtedly being looked for. This decision has transcended the streotype ...