From the Bookshelf of Catching up on Classics (and lots more!)…

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Mark Twain

Start date: August 1, 2013

Finish date: August 31, 2013

Discussion leader: Katy

Why we're reading this: Revisit the Shelf Group Read, August 2013
Previous Group Reads:
- Book of the Month, April 2011
[close] Revisit the Shelf Group Read, August 2013
Previous Group Reads:
- Book of the Month, April 2011

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Jul 17, 2009 Franky rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: adventure

Similar to many classics, Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn has a wide range of both fans and critics. One controversy that seems to always surface is the use of the “n” word in the novel. In many ways, though, Twain’s use of the word was a realistic depiction of the South at this time. The overuse of this word is a bit of an irony because I think Twain’s intent is to illustrate how ugly this word is, and by not “sugar coating” it or other dialect contained in the novel, Twain is actually making a s Similar to many classics, Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn has a wide range of both fans and critics. One controversy that seems to always surface is the use of the “n” word in the novel. In many ways, though, Twain’s use of the word was a realistic depiction of the South at this time. The overuse of this word is a bit of an irony because I think Twain’s intent is to illustrate how ugly this word is, and by not “sugar coating” it or other dialect contained in the novel, Twain is actually making a strong case against it, as well as other racial injustices at the time.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a classic because it has so much more going for it than just its adventurous side. This is a novel about morality, how we should treat others fairly and with justice. This is a novel that exposes the ugliness in the world for what it is. It is a novel about one boy’s transformation and need to make difficult choices. It’s about showing society’s ironic sense of justice, and through use of satire, breaking these down. Twain, through “no good Huck Finn”, shows us that life’s lessons come not from regulations put in place, but rather from experiences through other humans. There are many times when Huck has to choose between “good” and “bad”, and is often at odds with himself, but the ironic thing is that his intentions to do “good” make him feel like he is doing bad.

Freedom comes in several forms in the novel. Huck’s journey to self-realization and understanding the world comes within his journey on the raft after he escapes alcoholic, abusive Pap, and finds Jim. They meet with many different character types—some no good scoundrels, some genuine.

On the raft while heading down the Mississippi River, Huck breaks free from the burdens on land, and tries to experience the world. Additionally, freedom is explored through Jim attempts to escape slavery.

Jim, in many ways, is Huck’s saving grace, a father-type figure who helps Huck question society’s actions and impulses, especially with the issue of slavery. Jim helps Huck contemplate the world’s hypocrisy and immorality, especially man’s inhumanity to man, which Huck sees firsthand through the Grangerford/Shepherdson feud, and the Duke and the King’s despicable behavior towards the Wilks family. In short, Jim helps Huck grow up, and become a more thought-provoking character.

On another level, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is just a fun, entertaining, imaginative and often humorous tale. Huck’s episodes come alive with his imaginative spirit. He lives by the moment, and hates to be tied down to anything (such as being “civilized”). Moreover, this book is a satire that pokes fun at society’s conventions, although doing so in a light-hearted way. This book is one of my favorites, and, in my opinion, Twain’s crowning achievement.
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