Huckleberry Finn Lies Analysis

The Cycle of Lies

In an attempt to comprehend the complex world of American politics, historian Arthur Schlesinger proposed the Cyclical Theory, which stated that the attitudes of the American public towards certain issues fluctuate over time, in a cyclic manner. These observations are mirrored in the attitudes of the characters in Mark Twain’s novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The novel is the companion to the American classic, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Continuing the story after two young boys, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn discover hidden treasure in a cave, the novel starts off when Huck is adopted by Miss Watson and is trying to learn to be civilized. Miss Watson teaches him many skills that society has deemed to be important,

He uses the development of Huck’s character over time to mirror the issue of racism by presenting it in a circuitous manner and thus concluding the characters’ moral journey to escape the pressures put

Towards the end of the book, after a complex scheme put together by Tom Sawyer, Huck “[returns] to anonymity.” The ending in this regard mirrors society’s arguments about racism because even after changes happen, problems are still occurring with the same issues that were problematic even after decades have passed. In the end, Huck’s character development comes full circle as does society’s stance towards racism. He returns to his previous simple life after his short moment in the spotlight. At one point, Huck needed to apologize succeeding an argument with Jim and he stated that “It was fifteen minutes before [he] could work myself up to go and humble [himself] to a nigger; but [he did] it, and [wasn’t] ever sorry for it afterwards, neither.” In the beginning Huck is hesitant about apologizing to Jim due to his race but he slowly realizes that Jim isn’t any less of a person despite their racial differences. In the end, Huck develops a bond with Jim, slowly growing to understand why his previous approach to racism is problematic. His shift in view is evident in the ending of the novel as he goes out of his way to ensure Jim’s freedom. As simulated by Huck’s views shifting, often times issues come into light in the public eye and as the general public gains information on the issue, their viewpoints begin to shift. Jim is on what is referred to as a