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Sarcasm In Huckleberry Finn

624 Words3 Pages

Throughout the novel, Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain challenges the post-civil war society in many ways. Twain does this almost entirely in an indirect manner, by using sarcasm, the vulnerability of a child, and standing against racism. Sarcasm plays a major role in the novel, and it’s a reflection of Twain’s attitude towards society. An example of this sarcasm is when Huck explains Ben Rogers’s thoughts. He states, “Ben Rogers said he couldn't get out much, only Sundays, and so he wanted to begin next Sunday; but all the boys said it would be wicked to do it on Sunday, and that settled the thing.” (Twain 18) The boys are in a gang, and plan on being a murderous gang is something that’s quite astounding. They’re planning on committing sins, but won’t do anything on Sunday’s because they think it’s wicked. It’s relatable …show more content…

He is vulnerable to manipulation, and many people try to force their morals upon him. Huck has a hard time doing what’s right, because his morals typically lead him astray from the “rights” of the time. It’s a Huck vs. the World type thing. Huck says, “…People would call me a low-down abolitionist and despise me for keeping mum- but that don’t make no difference.” (Twain 53) Meeting Jim thrusts Huck into the conflict with the ethical system he’s used to, and Huck stands up for what’s truly right, although he has a hard time seeing things as such. Huck also runs into trouble trying to decide who’s standards he should live by. This is evidenced by, “Pap always said it warn't no harm to borrow things if you was meaning to pay them back some time; but the widow said it warn't anything but a soft name for stealing, and no decent body would do it.” (Twain 76) Huck respects both his Pap and Miss Douglass, and is trapped once again trying to decide which is right. Huck’s morals usually lead him in the right direction, and are very much a reflection of

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