Huck Finn

Background Information

Mark Twain: Who was he?

Samuel Langhorne Clemens Born 1835 Grew up in Missouri Fascinated with the steamboat trade Name means “water deep enough for

safe passage”

Huck Finn

Published in 1884 Based on Mississippi life Book originally attacked because of its

truthful portrayal of Southern slavery Attacked in the 50s due to the use of

the “N” word and depiction of African Americans

Setting

Mid 19th Century America Begins in St. Petersburg, Missouri Continues down the Mississippi River Jim & Huck visit several places along

their journey

Chief Characters

Huckleberry Finn Pap Widow Douglas Jim Miss Watson Tom Sawyer

Satire

A mockery of social conventions To make fun of society Examples include editorial cartoons

Satire in Huck Finn

Individual stories present the injustices of slavery

Is Twain a racist?

Critics believe Twain is a racist because they claim Huck Finn is: Offensive to Black readers Perpetuates cheap slavery stereotypes Uses the “N” word

Of course he’s not…

“N” word is in-context “N” word is ironic Theme is about freedom Jim is the moral center of the novel

Twain’s View

Everyone is part of humanity Saw firsthand the evils of slavery Journals depict no derogatory remarks

Themes & Motifs

Racism Idealism versus realism Childhood/life lessons Society’s values vs. individual thoughts Religion Human stupidity