Why Is Huckleberry Finn A Classic

What do you consider a classic novel? Does a classic novel have eloquent speeches, inspiring narratives, or simply an old publication date? Perhaps a classic novel may be defined as one that interests the reader or tugs at his or her heart. Mark Twain’s novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is regarded, by many, as a classic novel. But what is it that makes this book a classic? Why do pupils study it, and why do some people admire it? One may view it as merely an amusing children’s book or as a book that delves into human nature and conscience. Any opinion about Huckleberry Finn serves as a reason for why it remains under inspection today, but the most important reason is that under its dark covers, one will find goodness and truth. An example of goodness is in Chapter 31, when Huck was suffering from his conscience’s convictions for helping Jim, a runaway slave.

He also felt guilty because he knew that legally, anyone who found a runaway slave had to betray him or her to the authorities, so that the slave could be returned to his or her owner. So, he resolved that he would do so with Jim. But then he thought about how kind and loving Jim had been to him, and he knew he would regret betraying him. As he narrated, “I was a trembling, because I’d got to decide, forever, betwixt two things, and I knowed it” (215). Huck believed that his decision would determine the destination of his eternal fate. “I studied a minute, sort of holding my breath, and then says to myself: ‘All right, then, I’ll go to hell’... It was awful thoughts, and awful words, but they was said.” At first glance, Huck’s statement seems wicked, but after pulling back the dark covers, one finds goodness and love. Since slavery is immoral, Huck did not choose poorly in deciding to