The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is one of the most famous pieces of American literature in existence. However, it is also one of the most commonly banned books in schools, due to its supposedly inappropriate way it portrays racism. Despite these qualms, it is a beloved classic. Twain’s novel is one of the most legendary examples of “showing versus telling” as he deals with racism, which is what results in the controversy surrounding the work. Twain was writing in a time full of racism, and controversy surrounding the institution. Due to the political climate of the time, which was shortly before the Civil War, there was much prejudice surrounding slavery, and tension amongst the United States, concerning this issue. …show more content…
I didn't do him no more mean tricks, and I wouldn't done that one if I'd a knowed it would make him feel that way” (Twain). Huck does not want to apologize to a black man. Although Huck is friends with Jim, a slave, he still does not want to “humble” himself by apologizing to someone of another race. This is a testament to Twain’s way of “showing, not telling,” thus allowing us to develop our own opinion. Is Huck racist? Or purely the community in which he was living? A character that brings up this point exceptionally is Huck’s Pap. Pap is obviously racist, which is shown throughout the story by his words and actions. Along with being racist, he is an all around despicable character. However, we do have to wonder, is he awful, or only voicing the opinions of everyone at that time? This interpretation is shown throughout many of Pap’s …show more content…
Casual use of the N-word, unapologetic portrayals of racism and racists, and grotesque stereotyping, essentially, all the ugly reminders of a past we still find too uncomfortable to talk about in mixed company.(Ruta) When The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is approached with the attitude that Twain is a racist, there is, essentially, a moment of allowance for the contents. In the process of banning the novel, readers are blind to the realistic approach to racism that Twain allows exposure to. Twain serves as a fictionalized primary source, giving first hand, objective interpretations of the behavior of that time. Nonetheless, he is highly criticized by readers, teachers, and scholars alike for including this racism in his work: “ .”() However, if Twain had not included the racist culture in his novels, many would now view him as someone who was trying to glorify the time, and forget the fact that there was struggle and tragedy around every corner for those being oppressed at the time. Consequently, there seems to be no right solution for things like the sensitivity of topics discussed in novels. However, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is priceless in it accurate depiction of the hate that had occurred in America’s