Essay on Racism in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Mark Twain has always been one of the most controversial authors of all time. Though in recent years, there has been increasing controversy over the ideas expressed in his novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. In some extreme cases the novel has even been banned by public school systems and censored by public libraries. The basis for this censorship is the argument that Mark Twains book is racist, but in reality Twain was against racism and used this book to make people aware of what was going on in the south. He did this by using the regional dialect of the south, showing the attitude of the other characters in the novel toward black people, and showing his depiction of black characters. If one were to read between the lines†¦show more content†¦An example of Hucks dialect is The widow Douglas she took me for her son, and allowed she sivilize me; but it was rough living in the house all the time, considering how dismal regular and descent the widow was in all her ways; and so when I couldnt stand it no longer I lit out (Twain 1). An example of Aunt Pollys mainstream, yet common dialect is Tom, you didnt have to undo your shirt collar where I sewed it, to pump on your head, did you? Unbutton your jacket! (Twain 6). An example of Jims dialect is Yo ole father doan know yit what hes a-gwyne to do. Some times he spec hell go way, nen den agin he spec hell stay (Twain 19). Racial slurs are used throughout the novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. They are not meant to be a representation of the authors attitude, they are meant to accurately depict common language and expressions regarding Black Americans at the time. Such expressions also reveal the attitudes of the time. An example of the use of racial slurs is The nigger run off the very night Huck Finn was killed. So theres a reward out for him -- three hundred dollars (Twain 55). Another use of racial slurs is Has everybody quit thinking the nigger done it? (Twain 56). Perhaps t he strongest example is a quote from the character Injun Joe, He had me horsewhipped! -horsewhipped in front of the jail, like a nigger!Show MoreRelated Racism in the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Essay765 Words   |  4 Pagespeople, but they all accept and participate in, whether they realize it or not, racism. Almost all of the characters in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain seem to have pre-conceived ideas towards blacks, and the author does not seem to have any trouble writing the words of their pre-conceived thoughts or ideas. Mark Twain has an accepting attitude towards racism in his book, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. 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