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The main issue in the adventures of huckleberry finn
The main issue in the adventures of huckleberry finn
The main issue in the adventures of huckleberry finn
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Back in the time period of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain “the N-word” was not a racial term, it was simply what African Americans were called, especially when they were involved in slavery. Mark Twain used “the N-word” because in the time period he wrote the novel, people did not know any better and nobody should change his work. Most of this controversy comes from Twain’s frequent use of the word “nigger” when referring to black slaves, including one of the main characters, Jim. Today, that term is considered a seriously offensive racial slur. However, in the setting of the novel, and during that time period, this is the term most frequently used to describe African Americans. Since Huck Finn was set in the south before
The Adventures of Huck Finn is a very controversial book which brings much debate on whether it should be taught to children in America. The main reason for this debate is because the offensive word ‘nigger’ is used commonly throughout. The book is a classic and is seen to some people as such a great book that we should overlook the offensive word to understand the real lessons Mark Twain wanted to get across. One solution to this ongoing debate is something called the New South Edition, which substitutes ‘nigger’ for a ‘slave’ a word that is less personal and describes the history of America. Dr. Alan Gribben writes about the controversy and how the change effects the new edition. He uses personal anecdote, emotional appeal, historical references.
Since its release, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, has stirred up much controversy, most recently, over the book’s excessive usage of the word “nigger.” The topic has been debated by a broad range of scholars, ranging from authors to professors, to students alike, with both sides providing bold claims in support of their viewpoint. On the side arguing against Twain’s use of the N-word, there are arguments made stating that the word is offensive, inappropriate for the classroom environment and that the word, itself, is unnecessary for one to truly understand the novel. Opposing these arguments, those who support the use of the racial epithet state that removing the word would have more negative effects than positive, nor will
The lessons Mark Twain teaches throughout his book are vital for every High School student to experience. One of the major points for arguing that The Adventure’s of Huckleberry Finn should be banned is the repetitive and overuse of the N word. On a surface level, the way the N word is used could seem very disrespectful however as one dives deeper into analysis, Twain seemingly uses the N word loosely to portray a message. Throughout the book, Jim is always looked upon with a negative attitude and being just a typical black person because of these traits. However, as Huck and Jim venture along the Mississippi river, Huck begins to act more and more like Jim is an actual person. A prime example of this is when Huck says “they’re comin for us” (Twain 63) rather than saying they’re coming for you. Huck sees him and Jim as a relationship rather than just him and a slave. Another example is when Huck says, “It was 15 minutes before I could work myself up to go and humble myself to a n----” (89). Huck’s apology shows how Huck’s mindet towards not only Jim but all black people has changed, and that he actually has feelings for them now. The overall lesson tha...
How many years have passed since public discrimination against blacks ended? How many times have you personally heard someone make fun of someone because they are black within the past five years? How many times have you heard the “N” word being used as not an insult, but as a nickname for a friend? The truth is: In 2016, the “petrifying” “N” word has become less of an insult, and more of a simple nickname that many teens and young adults use for each other. The simple connotation of the word has been modified throughout the years from being something that was used as hurtful slander of the black population, to a petty pet name. For this simple reason alone, all of the arguments about Huckleberry Finn being “Racist Trash” and not about anti-racism are erroneous. I believe that Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn eloquently conveys an anti-racism message to it’s readers by simple means of satire, hyperbole,
Paula Lieder is a high school English teacher, and in her classroom while teaching this novel, she leads the class in discussions about racism and slavery. Lieder says that when reading this book “the discussion of race and prejudice must occur.” Her class also discusses the controversy of the book and the use of the word “nigger” (Lieder). When reading this novel students may ask themselves questions about the use of the word “nigger” and how it affects the book like Holbrook did. It’s obvious that Mark Twain was a good writer, and he knew what he was writing. So why would he use the word “nigger” repeatedly? (“Huckleberry Finn”) Holbrook would say it’s because Twain wants the reader to feel disgusted and upset. In order for Twain to get his readers to understand the hurtful nature of this word, he hit them with it over and over (“Huckleberry Finn”). Huckleberry Finn also stirs students’ imaginations while presenting information about human nature. Leo Marx says in Sharon Rush’s article,
The story takes place when black people were not considered equal to white people. Back then the word "nigger" referred to black people. Mark Twain did not write the word to degrade black people or to be racist, he wrote it to be historically accurate of the times. " To say that Twain is racist because of his desire for historical accuracy is absurd."
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, is considered a classic novel from the realism period of American Literature that accurately depicts social conventions from pre-civil war times. Despite this reputation as a historical lens of life on the Mississippi River, elements of blatant racism overshadow the regionalist and realist depictions. Huck Finn does not promote racism because all derogatory or racist remarks are presented as a window to life during the 1850s, in a satirical context, or to show Mark Twain's moral views on racism.
As for some, the novel of Mark Twain, known as Huckleberry Finn, is subjecting high school students to a literature they are not mature enough to handle. These individuals who share in this idea encourage the novel to be introduced to students after their college enrolment. This is simply because they are not comfortable exposing the word, “nigger” in such a manner that it can be viewed as harmful to African Americans. My stance on this subject is very in favor of exposing the novel to high school students for many reasons. I find that many people look at the word “nigger” in only one viewing, and need to broaden their views of this word. The maturity of high school students is almost the same as those in college. However, many college students
A lot of people want to know about the writing of Mark Twain. Mark Twain’s writings are widely known around the world. ” English teachers are always saying that Mark Twain is the greatest author in American literature.” Stated Dr. Engel in his lecture called “The Genius of Mark Twain.” Mark Twain has been criticized a lot by people about his writings. Especially his novel called The Adventures of huckleberry Finn. The only reason he received as much criticism as he did for that novel was because one specific word. That word is powerful too. This word can be used by one person in the wrong way and shut down a community, a family, and maybe even a life. That word is the word “nigger.” We are not even going to get into that subject right now because that is not what we are here to talk about. People always
Ernest Hemingway once said, “All modern American Literature, comes from one book by Mark Twain called “Huckleberry Finn.” Mark Twain was a revolutionary writer during his time, he wrote things that most people would have never even thought of putting on a page. One of the most praised skills that Mark Twain had was his use of dialect. Furthermore, the use of his dialect really submerged the readers in the new territory of the west and really help give the west a place on the map. Twain, is especially praised for the several dialects he uses in “HuckleBerry Finn”. In Twain’s work, he uses strong themes of realism, for example in “Huckleberry Finn” Huck talks about Pap, “Every time he got money he got drunk; and every time he got drunk he raised
Mississippi Twain tells us of a man with a dream. As imperfection has it this
Misunderstood, dejected angel Satan finally got his word in and it is through the humorous words of Mark Twain that it was done. In Letters from the Earth, Twain makes a controversial conclusion that not only is there a chance that perhaps this angel was not justly sentenced but also that society has warped our vision of God. With such a hard message being sent one might think Twain had gone off the deep end, however this is more proof that Twain was a realist and a literary genius. His writing was filled with humor and was given to his public through satire to get his points and perspectives across. With his sarcastic tone in Letters from the Earth he is able to give it more life for all to interpret and self-evaluate themselves and their views of religion.
Between the conversations that Huck has on his own, and the one he has with Jim. When bounty hunters were passing by Huck he uses the word nigger to refer to Jim, but the way he said it does not make it condescending, or offensive. “Goodbye, sir I says I won’t let no runaway niggers get by me if I can help it”(69). Not once did Huck say no sir I will not let no filthy nigger get past me, nor will I let any monkey niggers past me. Huck used a simple word without any negative context. Out of the multiple times Huck uses the word nigger not once is it to talk down to Jim, or mean any harm towards Jim. Not to mention, it is not entirely Huck’s fault for learning and using the word nigger as it is just the society he was raised in where the word nigger was used quite often, and it was a common thing to say in a regular conversation. He would most often use it as a sort of identification if one wills. He uses it to refer to slaves. Huck does not even know what it truly means when he uses the word to firstly refer to Jim.”Mrs. Watson’s nigger Jim” (13). There Huck goes using the word nigger without even trying to be mean or offensive. One can clearly see that Huck simply says the word, and nothing more. There is no negative context behind it a man can do just the same today get a couple of bad looks and some glares, but in reality he is only
Since its first publication in 1884, Mark Twain’s masterpiece The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has proven to be one of history’s most controversial novels; especially recently, the novel has often been banned by schools and censored by libraries. Characters in the book are constantly using disparaging language toward slaves, and the repeated use of the word “nigger” makes many sensitive and offended. Critics denounce the novel and Mark Twain as racist for this word being insulting and politically incorrect and for its depiction of black people and how they are treated. However, Twain was not attempting to perpetuate racism; on the contrary, he used satire to expose the ignorance and paradoxical views held by many in America at that time. Despite objections to the novel for offensive and insensitive portrayal of African Americans due to Twain’s negative and stereotypical “minstrel-like” characterization of Jim and the extensive use of the term “nigger,” throughout the novel, Twain exposes Jim’s unfeigned humanity behind a “minstrel-like” pretense by illustrating his capacity to possess profound human emotions and his triggering Huck’s moral transformation from a conscienceless, uncivilized juvenile into a an adolescent able to make the ethical choice.
Throughout the years, Huck Finn’s message has been misinterpreted as racist. In fact, according to John H. Wallace the narrative is “racist trash” (112), mainly because of the word “nigger” (Twain 7), which is used more than two hundred times. Never-theless, most anti-Huck critics fail to understand the elemental use of the word. Twain intends to unveil the South’s reality; therefore, the absence of the word “nigger” would result in the erroneous portrayal of how a twelve-year-old, uneducated boy from Missouri would talk. For the same previous reason, Twain gives each character different speech. Not in order to generalize and stereotype, but actually “[forming] identity… by social realities” (James 16). Despite Twain’s intention, the diction he uses for Jim’s portrayal has offended several students and parents throughout the nation, for its jester-like characteristics (Henry 25). In reality, the different slangs, not just Jim’s, give each character the needed humanity to make them more “believable, complex, and therefore dignified” (James 16). Twain’s chosen diction exposes the reality of human beings, which a censored versio...