American Literature Essay

The purpose of this essay was to discuss the current debate over Mark Twain’s book The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The debate is over whether or not the book is appropriate for students to read and learn about. The question is now being presented and petitioned upon the Board of Education by a group of parents and students in the Francis Howell school district.

The group has many justifications for why Twain’s book should be removed from the curriculum and even the school’s library. One reason was the many racial slurs used in the book to refer to Jim and all African Americans in general. An example of this in the book was Huck telling about how black people would all come to hear Jim’s witch story (Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Page 6). The slurs are used repeatedly and could easily have been done without. A second reason is the tobacco use of Huck Finn. The young character in the book is known for smoking his pipe. Some Parents fear this may encourage students to smoke. A third reason is Huck Finn’s bad lifestyle. Huck skips school, uses foul language, becomes involved in a gang, and he is known for being in lots of trouble (Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Chapter 2). Many parents think this may provoke students to try to live like Huck does. A fourth reason is the portrayal of Huck Finn’s father in the story. He is a bad father and an extreme alcoholic and he beat Huck(Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Page 24). Many parents think students may grow up thinking this negative behavior is acceptable parenting protocol.

Speaking from a teenage perspective, these accusations seem unjust and unreasonable. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a great Novel and an instrumental teacher in American Literature. Twain’s book accurately depicts the more liberal time period of the day. The racial innuendoes used in the book are by no means acceptable. It is the belief of many that these words were however not used on the grounds of demeaning the African American race, but that it was just the way people spoke during that age. Huck’s carefree lifestyle is also not acceptable. Many people do not think however that it would ever influence any students try to imitate Huck and swear, skip school, and smoke.

In conclusion, although this is not the most morally sound book. The good aspects outweigh the bad ones. This book should continue to be a part of the high school curriculum and has rightfully deserved a place in the school library.

Bibliography

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Word Count: 439