Essay, Research Paper: Huckleberry Finn

Huckleberry Finn is a loveable timeless classic written by one of the great American authors, Mark Twain. A companion to the Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn offers fans a closer look into the life of Huck Finn. Although the novel has similar characters and settings, the theme and moral dilemmas are much stronger than those we saw in Tom Sawyer.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn holds a darker side that Tom Sawyer did. In this piece we see an abused Huck try to figure out where he belongs in the world. He sets off on a journey to see if he can find peace and happiness away from the bonds of society. He is tested many times and in the end Huck ends up back where he started and he gives into the social norms of his time.
Huck is a good person, unfortunately society has many different views than him and this difference in opinions pushed Huck away from society. Although Huck has the right views on many things such as Jim, he can not stand up to the pressure of society at this young age.
Mark Twain uses the native southern dialect once again to enhance the quality of the setting for his readers. His use of dialogue is frequent and allows the reader to forget that they are in fact reading rather than sitting in on someone’s conversation. Twains’ use of vivid detail and wit amuse and delight readers.
Mark Twain used the novel Huckleberry Finn to express a person’s own perceptions in the regards to rejection from civilization. Twain also uses Huckleberry to portray how society might not always be the best way for a person to live, rather choosing their own beliefs and ideas to live by. For example, Huckleberry doesn’t see the use of money and is satisfied with life with out money. Therefore the life of a drifter suits him just fine. There are also many other themes carried out through out the novel. Superstition is brought up many times by both Huck and Jim. Another major theme is the issue of slavery. Huck is forced to make the decision on whether or not to turn Jim in. If he doesn’t turn Jim in he will be condemned to hell however Jim would be a free man. Huck chooses to save his friend and reject everything that society has taught him through out his life.


Word Count: 403