Huckleberry Finn Quintessential Analysis

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What makes a novel quintessential? More importantly, what can make it the most quintessential novel in American history? Is it daring sword fights, classic romances, and the senses of careless adventure or grief? Perhaps it’s a mix of all ideas; A melting pot, quite like America itself, of unique traits of family, friends, faith and adventure. Mark Twain was an author who could write stories of such prevalence, like his novel: “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” This novel was written with all new boundaries in writing: point of view, the sense of journey, morality issues, and dialect differences. For these reasons, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” is the most quintessential novel in American history. The main plot of this novel is simply a coming-of-age story told by the perspective of Huck himself. Not only does this show innocence and an honest point of view, but it also allows Twain to hide behind his character and share his opinion. Another aspect of Huck’s maturity and growth …show more content…

Previously, most authors had used the widespread language of their time period in order for readers to understand their literature. On the other hand, Twain separates his characters by their dialects and their spiritual beliefs. One example of this contrast is between Mrs. Watson and Jim. Mrs. Watson is an older woman with strong Catholic beliefs and a very common southern tonality. Jim is a black slave who believes in the spiritual aspects of karma and omens and speaks in the native African-American tongue: “… she was plumb deef en dumb…” (Twain 156). “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” is a stupendous novel written with aspects of American literature that always come to light: character maturity, morality issues, and dialect differences. In short, these traits are what helps make this novel a quintessential American