Essay about Character, Values and Morals in Huckleberry Finn

Character, Values and Morals in Huckleberry Finn Mark Twains Huckleberry Finn is perhaps one of the most controversial novels the North American Continent has ever produced. Since its publication more than a hundred years ago controversy has surrounded the book. The most basic debate surrounding Twains masterpiece is whether the books language and the character of Jim are presented in a racist manner. Many have called for the book to be banned from our nations schools and libraries. Mark Twains novel is about a young boy who was raised in the south before slavery was abolished, a place where racism and bigotry were the fabric of every day life. The novel is the account of how Huck Finn, who is a product of these†¦show more content†¦Hucks father is absent until he finds out that Huck has found some money. Pap is an outcast full of hate for blacks and pretty much for all of society. Huck, as a product of his society, speaks the language of his society. By choosing as his point-of-view a young boy from the slave sout h, Twain is able to present and challenge the values and assumptions of this time. Among the assumptions and values of the time that the reader encounters in the book are the strict definitions pertaining to Hucks world and the people who inhabit it: The world of Huckleberry Finn presents a curious mixture of Calvinist principles and aristocratic ideals. . . . We meet most of the fundamentalist Christian sects from their Sunday schools to their Methodist and Presbyterian churches; from Revivalist camp meetings to lay preachers (like brother Phelps) and ministers (like the Wilks brothers). We meet representatives of all three classes from upper and lower orders of the ruling Whites to Blacks. For that is the first division: Whites (who are people) and Blacks (just niggers). People, in their turn are further divided into two castes: the quality and plain folks. (Beaver 64-5) In order for Huck to challenge any of the values and assumptions of the time he must first be acquainted with them. And he is not only intimately acquainted with the values of his society but he holds many of its beliefs himself. But Huck longs for freedom awayShow MoreRelatedEssay about Huckleberry Finn is Not a Racist Work1519 Words   |  7 PagesHuckleberry Finn is Not a Racist Work â€Å"All modern literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn,† this is what fellow writer had to say about this classic novel. Still, this novel has been the object of controversy since it was published more than 150 years ago. Some people argue that Huckleberry Finn is a racist work, and that the novel has no place in a highschool classroom. This feeling is generated because a main character in the story, Jim, and other slavesRead MoreAnalysis Of The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn 1679 Words   |  7 Pages1. 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