Huckleberry Finn Political Analysis

Throughout the course of the novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain utilizes morally questionable terminology, situations, and subjects in the book to draw attention to the racism so prevalent in southern White society during the 1800’s. Through the use of scathing commentary and major character development, Twain’s stance on racism is clear: he passionately disapproves of the treatment and objectification of Blacks. Although, by today’s standards, the novel is deemed by many as politically incorrect, Twain’s writing reflects the times in which the novel was written, and ultimately makes his position on the injustices and hypocrisy of White society be known.

In the first paragraph of the first chapter, Huck makes strides to distinguish

Another indication of Twain’s opinion on slavery is Huck’s ever-progressive view of Jim. At the start of the novel, Huck shares the same ignorant views with the rest of society, playing pranks on him because he was considered property, not a person, and commenting on how “Jim was most ruined for a servant, because he got stuck up on account of having seen the devil and been rode by witches” (7). Throughout the course of the novel, Huck and Jim’s bond strengthens and Huck begins to see Jim as a person. Jim teaches Huck to be more accepting and open minded by treating him like an equal, and loving and forgiving him, despite thoughtless pranks, ultimately molding Huck’s outlook in his favor. In chapter 15, Jim appeals to Huck’s conscience, using ethos and pathos, to encourage Huck to be kinder and more thoughtful (89). Huck realizes that Jim cares about his family, just as White people do, feels remorse over hitting his deaf child, just as any White person would, (158-159), and matures enough to humble himself enough to apologize to Jim after tricking him (89). Despite having various moral dilemmas throughout the book, questioning if he is making the right decision, Huck always concludes that he does not want to sell Jim back into slavery, even going as far as turning his back on God, resolving that he does not want to sell Jim, and he’d rather go to hell than pray a lie