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Mary Dodge

AP Language & Composition

Ms. Saco

November 19th, 2016

How Twains portrayal of races contribute to the overall meaning in The

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Is the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn a reflection of Twains racism or simply an

analysis of late 19th century American society? The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn causes

readers to develop divergent takes on Twains motive behind writing a racial issue filled book.

Twains portrayal of the white and black race/cultures contribute to the overall meaning of the

work by providing the reader with an accurate representation of the harsh reality of racism

during this era. The main theme of change, and transformation in this novel is also a reason for

the use of the racial work

To fully understand the main theme of racism, it is crucial to understand the historical

background of the time period. In 1885 the Emancipation Proclamation freed all slaves. Then

reconstruction occurred after to help African Americans get back on their feet. Despite efforts to

reform America, not everything changed. Backlash from the racist whites led to the formation of

groups like the Ku Klux Klan (The KKK). Many feelings, and ideas were suppressed by each

race. The adventures of Huckleberry Finn unsuppressed these emotions and brings to life the

undertones of society through a fictional story. But it does illuminate the character of that dark

past with an unexampled and uncanny combination of delight, beauty, sadness, satiric

penetration, and moral power. With its comic ease, the book offers one of the most resourceful
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narrative voices in literary history, a voice that has the power to make real to us a singularly

engaging narrator's distinctive sense of the world.

Twains use of the word Nigger shows the harshness of society, but also gives a lesson

about human nature. The lesson is that peoples true colors will always be revealed whether they

are good or bad. Jim is a prime example of this. He is the one, truly noble and good character,

and his morality lasted throughout the book and in the end caused him to win and obtain his goal

of freedom. "Goodness gracious, is dat you, Huck? En you ain' deadyou ain' drowndedyou's

back agin? It's too good for true, honey, it's too good for true. (Twain, 156) This shows Jims

sweet way of talking and his happy emotions toward finding Huck alive. The duragatory

meaning behind the word Nigger does not define jim even though he is referred to it many

times throughout the book. Well, he was right; he was most always right; he had an uncommon

level head for a nigger." (Twain, 81) Jim is the walking metaphor for change because with his

good heart, he changes the mindsets of those around him. He fights racial issues by not being

affected or reacting to them but instead, proving everyone wrong. Especially Huck, a young

white boy. In a defining moment, Finn rejects his previous prejudice and decides to rescue Jim.

All right, then, Ill go to hell! Jim changed the heart of Huck.

The author, Mark Twain, has a significant background that needs to be explored to find a

deeper meaning for The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Mark Twain was born in November

30, 1835 and grew up in Florida, Missouri, along the Mississippi river. He experienced racial

clashes as a young boy, and on to his adult life. When he was nine years old, Twain witnessed a

white overseer kill a slave with an iron. Twain grew and has a first-person account of daily life

during the times of slavery. Growing up around injustices added fuel to his fire and passion for
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his anti- slavery message. It is no coincidence that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is set on

the old Muddy. Although that this novel is fictional, it depicts real acts and the attitudes of

whites and blacks. Having lived through the same pressures of society In The Adventures of

Huckleberry Finn, Twain is a credible source. Twain was born in Missouri, a slave state, and

fought in the Civil War, however briefly, on the Confederate side. His father occasionally owned

a slave, and some members of his family owned many more. But Twain emerged as a man

whose racial attitudes were not what one might expect from someone of his background. Again

and again, in the postwar years, he seemed compelled to tackle the challenge of race. (Carter,1)