Huckleberry Finn as the Most Important American Novel Essay

Discuss Adventures of Huckleberry Finn as the most important American novel

Mark Twains most notable piece of work Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is often referred to as the most important American novel of all time. Of course this statement allows for critics to both agree and disagree, so it is wise to define what makes a great American novel. A great novel of any kind must be filled with memorable characters, a plot or intense climax, and language that can be understood by various readers. A great American novel must include all of the variables mentioned, plus captivate the feeling, culture and spirit of America during the time it is written. Twain does all of this effortlessly, in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The story at first may seem simple, yet the honesty, use of language, underlying themes and symbols, as well as characters, make this story one of the most popular and memorable novels of all time.

One of the most obvious statements to make after reading this novel would be that Twain does not hold back from the truths of America during the time at which this novel was written.

Through the main character of Huck, Twain allows the reader insight on the reality of society during that time. Huck, as well as other characters, says some things that countless people would find offensive today. For example, when Huck is speaking about the slave Jim on two different occasions he says: Well he was right; he was most always right; he had an uncommon level head, for a nigger.(57), and I do believe he cared just as much for his people as white folks does for theirn. It dont seem natural, but I reckon its so.(117). These quotes highlight the racial tension and separation between humans in society during that time. Twain uses Huck, a nave young boy to portray the truths of society during that time. Although Huck may not have meant harm in the quotes above, it was quite common to hear or see similar language. Twain purposely does this to be authentic and true. Because of this, the novel as well as Twain as a writer become even more respected. The raw truth of how society behaved during the 1800s is one of the variables that make a great American novel.

Twain also uses Huck as a device to ridicule society and sivilization. The serious issues of race, slavery, alcoholism, theft, schemes and class are all viewed through the eyes of a child, which allow for the issues to be played down. In doing so, Twain is allowing society to see how they truly act, creating a mirror in which society slaps themselves. Each issue is presented with a bit of humor or added drama, which only adds to the genius of Twains writing.

Twains execution of language brings this novel to life. The vivid descriptions of the settings and characters allow for the readers to identify and imagine themselves in the novel. The portrayal of regional dialect is honest and realistic, giving insight on language used during that time. Each character develops their personality through the use of language, gaining a unique voice. The character of Jim may have the most difficult, yet memorable and realistic dialect in the novel. When expressing his feelings after Huck plays a prank on him, Jim says:

said in return: "What do dey stan' for? I's gwyne to tell you. When I got all wore out wid work, en wid de callin' for you, en went to sleep, my heart wuz mos' broke bekase you wuz los', en I didn' k'yer no' mo' what become er me en de raf' . Any reader can imagine a strong voice reciting Jims words, adding life to his character.

Numerous readers when discussing Twains use of language question the use of the word nigger. Some critics who disagree this novel is the greatest of all time, generally point out the obvious racism in the book. The word nigger is used numerous times, reflecting both the vocabulary and society at the time. For example, the memorable scene where a discussion about a steamboat explosion between the characters of Huck and Aunt Sally takes place she says: "Good gracious! anybody hurt?", and Huck replies "No'm, "Killed a nigger.", and she replies "Well, it's lucky because sometimes people do get hurt." The character ofAunt Sally refers to "niggers" as if they are not living people, reflecting a common view at the time.

The style of writing Twain uses is also appealing to readers universally. Twain effortlessly combines adventure, adolescence, suspense, integrity, and comedy into a novel, which can be enjoyed by all ages. The character of Huck, purposely tugs at the readers heartstrings as he matures into manhood. Experiencing the confusion, innocence and nave-ness along with Huck, the reader is allowed to become apart of his journey as he develops into his own. The never-ending excitement and adventures Twain creates in this novel, keep the reader both entertained and on edge, curious if both Huck and Jim will ever be free. Each situation is a page-turner while the character of Huck develops.

There are also many things in the story that trigger the reader into deeper thought. These hidden symbols, allow for close readings and universal understandings or appreciations. Examples of such hidden symbols would be the infamous river, which is much more than a body of water in the novel. The very river that Jim and Huck travel on is itself a symbol of freedom and escape. The very raft that the characters of Jim and Huck travel on can also be viewed as a symbol of their friendship. Sometimes lost, temporarily broken, but in the end strong and like new.

The character of Huck also makes this novel a classic. A boy developing before the readers eyes, allow for a connection to be made.

One example of this honesty occurs when Huck helps Jim to freedom. While he doesnt view his own actions as honorable, the reader can infer that they are. Huck feels guilty for his role in Jims escape, knowing that he was doing something society would have scorned. He says, "I couldnt get it out of my conscience, no how nor no way. It got to troubling me so I couldnt rest; But now it did; and it stayed with me, and scorched me more and more...I got to feeling so mean and miserable I most wished I was dead" (88). Huck is honest with himself and his feelings. It is this honesty that helps him make difficult decisions that often contradict the popular views of society. It is also his humbleness and plainness, which is shown through his simple, ragged clothes and poor use of the English language, that contributes to his honesty. Huck is also a compassionate person. One example comes when Huck, the Duke and the King are staying at the Wilks house and conning the orphan girls out of their inheritance. His compassion brilliantly shines when he says: "I says to myself, this is another one that Im letting him rob her out of her money, and when she got through they all jest laid themselves out to make me feel at home and know I was amongst friends. I felt so ornery and low down and mean that I says to myself, my minds made up; Ill have that money for them or bust" (88). Huck Finn is a strong character with generally good attributes. His honesty, loyalty and compassion are respectable features. Although Huck displays undesirable behavior at times, it is his simply learned behavior that is shining through. The character of Huck, create a bond between the reader

The ability for a reader to admire, enjoy as well as reflect on the friendship between Huck and Jim allow for this novel to remain relevant. The situations and emotions the two characters share and endure together can be applied to various relationships humans develop. Along the novel, Huck and Jim experience pain, humor, the idea of trust and care.

Hucks relationship to Jim is one based on his internal dispute, brotherhood, loyalty, trust and respect. Throughout the novel Huck constantly reassure Jim that he will not reveal him to the authorities even though he is a runaway slave. Huck understands the importance of constantly reassuring Jim, strengthening the trust and brotherly bond between the two. This friendship, which grows stronger as the novel progresses, allows the reader to feel apart of the development. Huck even sees Jim as his equal, "Git up and hump yourself, Jim! There ain't a minute to lose. They're after us!" (62). Although the townspeople are only looking for Jim,Huck tells Jim that they are after "us." , hinting that they are equal. Huck stays by Jims side to the very end, reassuring not only Jim, but also the reader that his words were always true. The presence of this strong friendship can be seen as a symbol of both loyalty and trust. The idea of the friendship between Huck and Jim is still relevant to this day, and can be applied to various readers.

In conclusion, the many themes present in Huck Finn will always be relevant to modern society. The power, which that holds, places The Adventures of Huck Finn at the top of the American cannon. This story is timeless, honest, admirable and written effortlessly to captivate and move any readers mind.