In Mark Twain’s, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Twain criticizes the social injustice of racism and dogmatic codes of the religious. Twain discusses the racial issues through examples of the treatment and belief of white superiority over blacks. In the evolution of the relationship between Jim and Huck, Twain also discusses the topic of racism. Lastly, Twain reinforces the moral ambiguity of a people that are full of contradictions; those who often appear to be good but are deeply prejudiced slave owners. Throughout this novel, Twain shines the light on the issues of racism and illogical religious hypocrisy, highlighted by selfishness and cowardice. Born into a slave-holding society, Mark Twain not only denounces slavery but also expresses …show more content…
Early in their travels, Huck plays a trick on Jim when they become separated in a fog on the river; after realizing he upset Jim, Huck states “It was fifteen minutes before I could work myself up to go and humble myself to a nigger,” (Twain 89). This quote reflects the white societal social beliefs held by Huck, for Huck struggles to “lower” himself to apologize to Jim because of the social norms of the time. Likewise, when arguing with Jim about King Solomon, Huck states, "I see it warn't no use wasting words--you can't learn a nigger to argue. So I quit,"(Twain 83). In this quote, Huck reflects his upbringing believing blacks incapable of learning or using logic to make arguments, thereby denying them human traits and acting superior towards Jim because of his race. However, towards the end of the novel, Huck reveals, “I know'd he was white inside”, (Twain 297). The friendship and trust shown by Jim influence Huck’s conscience, leading Huck to disavow what white society and religion taught him – even choosing to “go to hell” to save Jim. Jim’s humanity, nobility and honesty catalyze a change in Huck, deepening his understanding of love and forgiveness, of sacrificing self for