Huckleberry Finn Romanticism Essay

In the late 18th century, a style of literature known as Romanticism was introduced as a revolt to the common works of the previous time period. In Mark Twain’s novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the author uses elements of southern Romanticism untarnished by the high societal standards of the later developed literary realism. However, Twain also successfully incorporates realism through the development of Huck. Though each character is unique, every last one’s ideology is subject to the effects of the time period they live in. Whether their moral compass is distorted, or they are just an overtly bad person, Twain’s masterpiece is the finest work of Romantic-Realist literature ever written. Tom Sawyer is Huck’s friend throughout the book. They join together on various escapades reeking minimal havoc, but in their eyes terrorizing the town. Twain incorporates the idea of Romanticism in Tom’s character in various ways. He is clearly the key example of Romanticism in this novel. Tom’s love for nature is at the heart of his character’s values. A boundless spirit of adventure

Huck’s pragmatic approach to every situation makes him the perfect candidate to represent Realism. Huck’s coming of age is the ideal scenario to instill this form of literature. The scenario’s he encounters are viewed through an innocent, yet realistic lens. Toward the beginning of the novel, Huck simply accepts the religious values instilled by Miss Watson and the Widow. As the novel progresses Huck begins to have meaningful life experiences. These mold his ideologies and shape his personality. Huck is faced with the most important decision of his young life when he is debating whether or not to turn Jim in. Huck decides not to, but does not treat it as the profound realization that it is. This decision is evidence that Huck has defied the religion instilled on him, and in turn proven that sub-consciously has loved his neighbor as