The Killer Elite: Twain's Argument Against Elitism

The Killer Elite: Twain’s Argument against Elitism

Throughout human history, a key question among philosophers has been whether or not elitism, or a sense of superiority over others, is good. Mark Twain attempts to answer this question in his novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, as he delves into the effects of elitism on society. Twain argues that elitism should not exist in society because it gives people a sense of superiority over others that they will abuse to gain power and control over people. Twain believes that elitism prevents society from advancing as oppressive “elites” lead to unnecessary deaths and discontent. Twain believes that if people feel superior to their peers they will abuse this power to control people even

Huck says: “they took their guns along… and [kept] them between their knees… It was pretty ornery preaching—all about brotherly love, and such-like tiresomeness” (121). The author’s word choice, such as equating “tiresomeness” with brotherly love, shows Huck’s sarcasm in describing the sermon. Twain utilizes this sarcasm to shows his doubt that there exists brotherly love between the elites. Twain’s ironic depiction of elites bringing guns to a church, which is supposed to be a place of peace, hints that even if the elites are offered peace, the thirst for superiority would overpower the call for peace. The readers see the elite’s negation of peace right after the sermon when Harney Shepherdson tries to run off with Sophia Grangerford so they can marry. The nobles react violently to this, in contrast with the scene of the sermon where the pastor was calling for peace and love. A gunfight starts between the Grangerford and Shepherdson families that results in the death of Buck Grangerford and his nineteen year old brother. Huck comments in reaction to the Shepherdsons shouting “Kill them, kill them!” as the Grangerford brother tries to escape the gunfight: “It made me so sick I most fell out of the tree… it would make me sick again if I was to [retell how the Grangerfords were killed]” (127). Twain argues two things in this scene. First, he reiterates his point that the elite would ignore peace and choose violence in order to settle disputes in order to maintain superiority. This is shown through the violent reaction both families have towards the marriage. Marriage represents a call for peace and settling all disputes between the two families. It represents a creation of a bond between the two families. It also means that the families would consider each other their equals,