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 …show more content…
it rewrite history, and that the frequent occurrence of the N-word in the novel provides a deep insight into our country’s past and is a necessary context-piece for the story. Although both sides have faults, I believe that the gratuitous use of the N-word serves an important role in Huckleberry Finn due to the words significance in history, its importance in understanding the novel, and lastly, the challenges it presents to the reader. The most obvious reason to forego teaching Twain’s original rendering of Huck Finn is because the word, “nigger,” itself, is a racial slur and some would say that it should not be used in public at all. This causes the question to arise, who decided that the N-word is so outlandishly offensive that it must be removed from classic literature? Since the coming of hip-hop/rap in the early 1990s, the word has appeared in music everywhere. Granted, clean versions of songs are available, but there certainly isn’t as strong of a push to remove slur-heavy music from the media. In addition, the word has become increasingly prevalent in slang. According to the Washington Post, the abbreviated version of the word, “nigga” is used 2.5 times more frequently than “dude” and 1.6 times more frequently than “bro” on social media. Based on these statistics, Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn clearly isn’t the only place where the N-word is dropped consistently. The word, for African-Americans, has been reclaimed. No longer is it such a hurtful word to see in a text, but one where the prior meaning and power of the word is understood and taken seriously. Part of the beauty of reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is the complexity of the plot. What starts off as a children’s book quickly evolves into a tale of moral development and life in the deep south. If the use of the word is too provocative for some, then maybe it is a sign that the book is too difficult for them to allow for full understanding, and a less-complex book should be read instead. The main argument for the teaching of NewSouth Books’ rendering of Huckleberry Finn, which substitutes the 219 appearances of the N-word for the word “slave” instead, is that the two words are synonyms and substituting one for the other does not affect the text at all. On the most basic level, this is correct; if one were to read the story with no knowledge of US history, it wouldn’t make a difference whether or not Jim was called a “nigger” or a “slave,” as the reader wouldn’t understand the brutality of our country’s past. The simple problem with the new rendering is that the two words are not the same. The N-word has held far too much significance in history to be replaced with slave. By replacing the racial epithet with a less-drastic word, it undermines the severity of the time period that Twain aims to capture in his novel. As Twain once wrote, “The difference between the almost right word & the right word is really a large matter — it is the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” The use of the word is supposed to disappoint and upset the reader. The frequent occurrence of the N-word is meant to paint a brutally accurate picture of the antebellum deep south, which allows the reader to know more about the society Huck Finn is growing up in. By changing the word, history will not be rewritten and the extreme injustices suffered will not be covered up. However, by replacing the N-word with “slave,” a prettier picture of the novel’s context will be painted, and no longer will the book serve to remind the reader of the N-word’s powerful connotation and the disgraceful society in which the word was cultivated in. Although The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn begins as a children's book, it is arguable that the book was meant, in no way, meant to be an easy read.
In fact, true appreciation of the novel requires the reader to “read between the lines” and pick up on the hidden subtext and more importantly, the story of Huck Finn’s moral development. In his arguments on the New York Times’ Room for Debate article, Do Word Changes Alter ‘Huckleberry Finn’?, Dave Matthews states, “Great books — or any work of art — require that the reader meet the author half-way.” In this quote, he is saying that for the reader to fully comprehend Huckleberry Finn, he/she must put forth a great deal of thought in addition to simply reading the text. By removing the N-word from the novel, the story becomes nullified and the task of stomaching the word, which is purposely included to upset the reader, is bypassed. One of the reasons why our curriculum waits until tenth grade to teach the book is because it is meant to be challenging; the reader is supposed to struggle with the reading. If the word is replaced, the book truly becomes a children's book; subtext-wise, it will still require good comprehensive skill to understand Huck’s development, but story-wise, the book becomes an easy-to-read story of a child running away from home and embarking on an action-packed adventure with a slave who he befriends along the
way. As the word becomes increasingly prevalent in slang today, has a historic connotation, and provides a challenge for the reader, it would be futile to replace it in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. With the re-popularization of the word, a decrease in offense took to its usage should follow. The word also serves to educate readers of the harsh society that used to commonly exist in the US. Lastly, the repulsiveness and negative connotation attached to the word serves to challenge readers to think critically about the book and society as well. It is for these reasons that Twain’s frequent use of the N-word in Huckleberry Finn carries large significance, and fulfills a role that simply cannot be fulfilled with the word “slave.”
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.
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,
Over the 129 years for which the book has been in print, Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has been regarded with much controversy, for many different reasons. As it has progressed, the subject of this controversy has been almost constantly changing. This essay will explore some of the claims and explanations of the controversy, as well as a discussion on whether the book is even that controversial. While everyone is entitled to their own opinion about this novel, The main complaints seem to revolve around three core topics: Twain’s portrayal of Jim and other blacks, The extensive use of the racial slurs and racism, and the final chapters of the book itself.
Mark Twain’s novel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, has sparked much controversy since its publication in 1884 due to countless racial slurs and stereotypes; in fact it is the most commonly banned book in American history (source). While many argue that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn should be banned, the literary merit, namely the realistic setting and characterization, outweighs the vulgarity and crude language. Twain’s satirical social commentary
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 Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was written by Mark Twain, published in 1884, and according to Alison Flood in the article US school stops teaching Huckleberry Finn because of 'use of the N-word', “one of the most-challenged [novels] of all time.” The story depicts the relationship between a young white boy who is running away from home and a grown slave who is running away to escape slavery. The novel focuses on Huck Finn growing up pre-civil war in deep and very racist south. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn should stop being taught to high schoolers because it is too open to interpretation, and doesn't
Is it possible for certain lies to be considered justifiable? Everyone has told a lie at one point or another in their life. While growing up, society is taught that honesty is the best policy but it is hard to know at what point a lie crosses over from justifiable, to an evil action.
Ransomed? Whats that???.. it means that we keep them till they're dead (10). This dialogue reflects Twains witty personality. Mark Twain, a great American novelist, exploits his humor, realism, and satire in his unique writing style in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Mark Twain, born in 1835, wrote numerous books throughout his lifetime. Many of his books include humor; they also contain deep cynicism and satire on society. Mark Twain, the author of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, exemplifies his aspects of writing humor, realism, and satire throughout the characters and situations in his great American novel.
Mark Twain’s book, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, educates high school students on how the Southern society operated at that time. When analyzing the novel, one can see that Twain’s writing clearly does not endorse slavery or the use of derogatory language toward African-Americans. In a petition to remove this book from a high school required reading list, a school board in New Jersey concluded, "the literary value of the book outweighed the negative aspect of the language employed.” (2) Huckleberry Finn is a satirical novel that was written to show the flaws of 19th century American society. It shows how people thought and acted back then, and points out what was wrong with the white supremacy mindset of many Southerners during these years. “The book itself is a great testament that...
In conclusion, the reason I am for the novel, Huckleberry Finn, to be exposed to high school students is so that the conversation on the abrupt word “nigger” can be discussed. It exposes the reader to an author who is unafraid of showing the reality of the language people spoke. This book makes those who read it look deeper into the meaning of the words used hundreds of years ago.
In the novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain the main character, Huck Finn, grows and learns many lessons. Throughout my life I have learned many similar lessons. In addition, I have discovered that there is a relationship between Huck's life lessons and my life lessons. Also I have learned many different lessons that Huck was dispossessed from learning. Twain's character, Huckleberry Finn, and I can be compared and contrasted through lessons we both have learned and lessons that only I have learned. During my life I have learned that lessons are hard, complex, and above all else are universal. One lesson that Huck and I have shared in learning is that a person can choose to escape an unfair situation. Huck escaped his abusive father and was taken in by the Widow Douglas and Miss Watson. I too escaped an abusive father. When I was six years old my mother divorced my father and I decided to live with her. Another lesson that Huck learns is to be his own person. He learns this when he left Tom Sawyer and his gang for his own adventures. I learned this same lesson when some friends wanted to go to a concert on a night that I had school and a project due the next day. I did not go with them and even though my friends had fun, I was proud to be an individual. Additionally, Huck learns that friends are very important because they are always there for you. He and Jim become very close over their long trip down the river. They do things for each other that shows that they are friends. Tom helps Huck rescue their friend Jim from slavery. Huck and Tom free Jim because he is a good friend to them. I have also learned that friends are a tremendous part of my life. On various occasions, friends have helped me study for important tests. Consequently, Huck and I have learned similar important life lessons though the experiences were different. On the contrary, there are also a few lessons that I have learned that Huck has not learned. I have learned that you must deal with your problems instead of running away 12/19/98 from them.
The book Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, has many themes that appear throughout the text. One such theme is that people must live outside of society to be truly free. If one lives outside of society, then they do not have to follow all of its laws and try to please everyone. They would not be held back by the fact that if they do something wrong, they would be punished for doing it.
“The situation of the orphan is truly the worst, you’re a child, powerless, with no protectors or guides. It’s the most vulnerable position you can be in, to see someone overcome those odds tells us something about the human spirit. They are often depicted as the kindest or most clever of characters.” Michelle Boisseau describes how important these types of characters are. In a Sunday Times article, she states that a lot of the stories and novels are considered to be apologues about orphans becoming the hero of the book. Huck’s story is quite like this subject. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a novel written by Mark Twain, it’s about a boy named Huckleberry Finn, who sets out on a journey to discover his own truth about living free in nature, rather than becoming civilized in a racist and ignorant society. Mark Twain implies that Huck Finn resembles more of what he believes is right rather than what society surmises from him. Twain reveals this through the themes of satire, racism, and hero’s journey, which he uses constantly through out the book.
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...
This book has been banned from school libraries all over the country because of the main character's teenage angst, which many feel is too graphic for teenagers, and its profanity. Profanity, whether it be frequent or a rare occurrence, is a characteristic of many literary classics, as is the use of racial epithets.In the book Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (ranking number 2 on the list), an epithet is use many times over to describe the people of color in the book. Now since the book was published in 1885 and such language was common at the time, I do not belie...