For centuries, slavery and racism has been a persistent issue in American history. Even in the late 19th century, many people were sensitive about blacks despite the fact that slavery officially ended in 1865. During this time, Mark Twain, an American author, wrote The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, sparking controversy over its perceived morals and starting a new trend of novels. Although The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is widely acclaimed as an anti-racism novel that inspired other great works of literature, it is not worthy of being part of the American literary canon because of its weak final chapters, its offensive usage of ‘nigger’, and its poor portrayal of blacks. Twain ends his story with filler chapters and not ones with real …show more content…
A book that’s part of the literary canon shouldn’t make an entire population be uncomfortable or raise up particular issues that aren’t quite resolved yet. After reading Huckleberry Finn, Toni Morrison insists, “Reading ‘nigger’ hundreds of times embarrassed, bored, annoyed - but did not faze me” (Morrison 386). However, one person doesn’t represent the race; many others are uncomfortable with the usage of the word. Books shouldn’t keeping using words that specifically insult people, especially since many distress over the horrible reminders of the past. Twain may say that it is masterful use of the Southern dialect, but it doesn’t change that it consistently insults blacks many times. While reviewing Huck Finn, David L. Smith states, “This usage, like the term ‘nigger stealer,’ clearly designates the ‘nigger’ as an item of property: a commodity, a slave” (Smith 365). ‘Nigger’ does not only rudely refer to blacks, but it also belittles them and treats them like a piece of furniture. It symbolizes the lack of freedom a slave has and some may associate treating ‘niggers’ in Huckleberry Finn as acceptable for blacks. Twain indirectly encourages the despicable emotional and mental abuse of blacks, clearly not supporting the sentiments of blacks and