Examples Of Satire In Huckleberry Finn

869 Words4 Pages

The Use of Satire in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Mark Twain wrote the satirist novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and in doing so exposed the many ills of American society. Satire is a technique writers use to poke fun at individuals or society. Throughout the book, Mark Twain sneaks these remarks into his work to entertain readers and point out the social tribulations of that time. In Mark Twain's book Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, satire is used as a prominent vehicle to mock racism, honor, and religion.

Huck Finn depicts the period when blacks were treated as property opposed to equals. Many of the book's characters are slave-owners, such as Aunt Sally, in controversy to her Christian upbringing. A small case in point is when Huck …show more content…

When talking about Jim, a slave, he says "...he was almost right; he had an uncommon level head for a nigger" (Twain 87). Huck automatically thinks Jim is unintelligent because of his race and is surprised when he has a "level head." As Huck befriends Jim he changes his prior prejudice opinions, and he rebels against his society and religion to save Jim from slavery. This use of satire points out the racial problems, including slavery, of that …show more content…

Freedom is the common goal for both Huck Finn and Jim throughout the story. Jim desires freedom from the confines of slavery and to be with his family again. "Jim said it made him all over trembly and feverish to be so close to freedom" (Twain 98). Jim is excited because he is close to freedom and happiness.

Huck wants freedom from the confines of civilized society, such as the expectations of religion. He runs off in order to do this. Towards the end of the novel Huck states, "But I reckon I got to light out for the Territory ahead of the rest, because Aunt Sally she's going to adopt me and sivilize me, and I can't stand it. I been there before" (Twain 305). Huck makes the choice of being free from his past ties for his own self-happiness. Both Jim and Huck Finn want to achieve their own form of freedom and happiness.

In conclusion, Mark Twain was a remarkable author. In Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain's use of satire is used to expose the wrongs of society and add to the theme of the novel. The satire of religion, racism, and honor are used to portray this humorous