Ever since Mark Twain published Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in 1885, it has been one of the most banned books in America. Not only one, but many different people/groups have banned Mark Twain’s classic due to the consistent theme of race. The book is considered inappropriate because of how Mark Twain regards African Americans and Indigenous people. Historically, it is off of many school bookshelves because many may argue that the book even promotes racism. One month after the book’s debut in 1885, a library in Concord, MA stated that Twain’s novel was "trash and suitable only for the slums".
If you ask two different people what the n word meant you would probably get two completely different responses. One might say it is insulting and degrading, another might say it is a term of endearment. Throughout Huck Finn this word was used a total of 219 times. If the n word were not a degrading term there would not be so much controversy about banning and censoring Huck Finn. However, the word has been altered since it was used in the time period of Huck Finn.
Censorship of literature has always been a powerful means of manipulating society by limiting what the people are exposed to. This has been used as a way to suppress free thinking and new ideas, that could cause a shift in power in the society. The censorship of literature has been used by the powerful members of society forever, because of this societies fear the idea of their governments hiding information from the public. In Americus, a small town in Oklahoma is divided over a new teenager book series that some feel the series should be banned from the library. In contrast in Fahrenheit 451, a curious fireman indulges in a banded book, which enlightens him to a new outlook on life.
Toni Morrison effectively analyzed The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, covering different perspectives and ways to interpret the novel that displays a higher level understanding of a “challenging” text. Good writing and analysis skills are crucial for a variety of different tasks students will have to perform beyond school. Additionally, challenging literature offers a great opportunity for students to learn about censorship. As many books read in schools today are being censored, any opportunity for students to directly learn more about the issue is beneficial. In the article “Schools Can’t Ban Books Because of Complaints, Court Says,” Mark Walsh addresses a woman who wishes to discard of controversial works, such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, that provoke racial harassment in the school system (Source B).
American literature has always been a form of entertainment and education. When slaves were introduced as characters in books, they were always negative, stereotypical characters, but not until 1883 when Mark Twain wrote The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was a change made. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a book about a southern white boy in the 1800’s that runs away with an escaped slave on the Mississippi River. For years, schools have been debating on if the book should be banned in schools or not, and it is already on a variety of banned lists. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn should not be banned in schools because it is an anti-slavery novel that teaches students valuable lessons and informs students of the past culture.
Even though the idea is mainly about replacing the “N” word not much would change if you add “slave.” The usage of the “N” word was not meant to bring disagreement and argument but for educational purpose just how Twain intended it to be. Since the book has has been read and analyzed for many years the idea of the “N” word is going to be in everyone's mind so when they are reading the “new” edition of the book the word “slave” is pretty much not going to change much. Both words themselves present a very intense and memorable moment to when African Americans were being used as slaves and were being mistreated. This then brings the concept of racism and people think The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is racist and should be banned for that reason.
Banned Book Persuasive Essay The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn is an American classic novel written by Mark Twain in 1884. The use of the word “nigger” is the main reason why it was banned in all school libraries. The reason to use the word was mainly used to stay true to the time period and the book is in no way racist, but anti-racist. The book tells a story of a white teen who is on an adventure with a runaway slave and slowly realizes that they are just alike.
It has been brought to my attention by your organization, that you wish to have the classic novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, banned from our school systems. Now, I can understand your views and claims against this book, but in order to stay with a clean conscience, I must not let you and your organization bring forth this motion. As the head of both the city council and the local school board, I hold some sway with the other councillors and board members as well. I shall do everything in my power to convince them to vote against this outrageous demand. That is if, I cannot convince you, or the majority of your organization to not move forward with this motion.
This book has been debated on whether it should be banned or not because of its overuse N-word. The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn should not be banned from Coldwater High School because it gives an accurate portrayal of the period even though it is fictional but still true to the era and it teaches young students and adults that African Americans
The announcement of a new, censored, version of Mark Twain’s classic, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn sparked controversy across the United States in regard to which version would provide the best educational experience. Even though the revised publication may be more politically correct due to the replacement of the word “nigger” to “slave”, it dampens the milieu of the story. Additionally, the argument for censorship in the novel is flawed considering the social discomfort created from word “nigger” can be used to form an intellectual lesson or discussion. Alan Gribben’s edition of the novel is less literarily enriching because the unnecessary censorship worsens the syntax compared to the original publication.
Reading a book is different for every person, whether it’s to relax, use their imaginations or to gain knowledge and information. In most books you learn something. There is a take away that you keep forever, such as a message or life lesson. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is a classic piece of American literature that shows what it is like to live in a time period of slavery and racism. The story tells in great detail what the North and South were like from the eyes of a boy, Huck Finn.
But the answer to the intense language is not replacing the word or banning the book. “You don't ban Mark Twain-you explain it!” (Schulten,1999). People that are trying to ban this book are only trying to block out a major part of American History. Children are uncomfortable hearing the word because it is not talked about.
To censor Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn would not only do a complete disservice to the author himself, who chose his words carefully to convey a certain message, but
Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is one of the most controversial novels that is taught in schools, making a major influence on American Literature with Twain’s use of satire and theories throughout the novel. Mark Twain’s real name is Samuel Clemens. His pen name, Mark Twain came from Mississippi when he was on the river and others called out that name. Twain, who was born in Florida, Missouri and wrote this book about his dream adventures growing up. His biggest dream was to become a steam boatman.
Censorship is a serious matter that has been discussed through the years. People are divided on whether censorship should be in school libraries or if it should not. Books such as “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X" and many more have been greatly affected because of book banning. Not everyone has the same style, which causes outrage when certain books are banned. For example, if one book was banned and people prefered that book, it can make the community furious.
