Huck Finn Analysis

When society is run rampant with discrimination and oppression, it is important to stand up for the rights of the oppressed. Author Mark Twain offers a strong, yet controversial social criticism in the novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. In chapters 24-29 of the novel, he uses characters and events to create a narrative that condemns the current institution that is fond of racism and the use of slavery. By using the actions of characters who lack integrity and morals, Twain gives the reader a direct message about the morality of society and human nature itself.
Twain’s criticism starts in Chapter 24 when Huck and his crew, consisting of Jim, The King, and The Duke, begin passing through another town while continuing their journey. Along

While the whole town falls victim to their scheme, Dr. Robinson realizes the two as liars. The doctor explodes saying, “‘Keep your hands off of me!’ says the doctor. ‘You talk like an Englishman—don’t you? It’s the worst imitation I ever heard. You Peter Wilks’s brother! You’re a fraud, that’s what you are.‘” (Pg. 172.) Twain is blasting those who take advantage of terrible situations for their own personal advantage. This act is enough to disgust Huck, which shows a huge growth in his character. Huck vehemently says when the plan is commissioned earlier, “Well, if ever I struck anything like it, I’m a [black person]. It was enough to make a body ashamed of the human race" (Pg. 165.) He then makes the decision to steal the money received by the scammers and return it to its rightful owners. Instead of continuing to act under the control of the two, Huck breaks free from any fear that they once held over him, while heavily relying on his instincts and morals. The growth in Huck’s character is

Huck’s actions also display his compassion for others later in Chapter 27. Instead of allowing the money to be stolen, he goes out of his way to ensure that the family reclaims what is rightfully theirs. The actions of The Duke and The King later in the chapter are Twain’s comment on the heartless separation of slave families during a sale. While pretending to be a preacher, The King sells the Wilks family slaves with no regard to keeping the family intact. Huck says, “I thought them poor girls and them [slaves] would break their hearts for grief; they cried around each other, and took on so it most made me down sick to see it. The girls said they hadn't ever dreamed of seeing the family separated or sold away from the town. I can't ever get it out of my memory, the sight of them poor miserable girls and [slaves] hanging around each other's necks and crying; and I reckon I couldn't a stood it all, but would a had to bust out and tell on our gang if I hadn't knowed the sale warn't no account and the niggers would be back home in a week or two” (Pg. 185-186.) In this time period,