The Huck Finn QUestion Essay Research Paper

The Huck Finn QUestion Essay, Research Paper

Controversy and Conflict: The Huck Finn Question

It was born into controversy in 1885 as Samuel Clemens published his

newest writing entitled The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. It immediately

sparked debate and outrage that still continues to this day. This book, some

critics contend, is a grotesque example of racist trash. Citing numerous

examples, such as the treatment of minorities, the objectionable language

displayed by the characters, and the unfair portrayal of Southerners, these critics

believe that this book is worthy of being banned from all schools. Still, other critics

maintain that this novel is a true treasure of American literature that gives a

realistic portrayal of the times. This same group of critics also argue that this

novel promotes racial unity and cooperation. How could such a novel give birth

to such contrasting viewpoints. Are both arguments valid. Should such a

controversial novel be taught in schools today. This essay will examine both

arguements and point out each side.s logical points and flawed reasonings.

Afterwards, it will discuss whether or not this book should be taught in schools

today, the Huckleberry Finn question.

A large number of critics contend that the book Huckleberry Finn is racist

trash not fit for the classroom. For example, John H. Wallace described the

assignment to read the book best when he said:

...the assignment and reading aloud of Huckleberry Finn in our

classrooms is humiliating and insulting to black students… (Wallace, The

Case Against Huck Finn Pp. 17).

This is a valid argument against the book Huckleberry Finn for many

reasons. For example, Aunt Sally asks Huck about his trip after he arrives at her

house. Huck goes on to describe an accident which occurred while on the boat in

which an African-American worker was killed.

In response to this story, Aunt Sally commented:

.Well, it.s lucky; because sometimes people do get hurt in these things.

(Twain, Pp. 216).

Aunt Sally goes on to say how a similar accident happened to a white man,

but, when she discussed this story, she showed a great deal more concern for the

victim. This last piece shows how lowly blacks were regarded at this time, to the

point of being considered highly expendable. Such a degredation of blacks in the

classroom should not be tolerated if possible. This story also illustrates the

inferior role that blacks were expected to take to whites. Despite the fact that this

book is over 100 years old, its racist overtones are still uncomfortable to blacks

today. In addition, the frequent use of the word .nigger. nearly 250 times is

extremely offensive to the African-American population, regarding an entire race of

people as trash because of their skin.s coloring. Because of this total degradation

of blacks, this offensive book, critics argue, should be banned from schools.

On the other hand, not all arguments for banning this book can be so easily

justified. Julius Lester wrote the following argument against Huck Finn:

.While I am opposed to book banning, I know that my children.s

education will not be enhanced by reading this book (Lester, Pp.200).

This argument is not totally accurate. From the quote above, Lester is

saying that his children will learn absolutely nothing from this novel. That

statement is faulty and untrue. Twain.s novel informs its reader about a variety of

topics. For example, slavery and its evil effects are prevalent throughout the entire

book. A child reading this book could easily pick up on the evils of slavery and life

for African-Americans back in the nineteenth century. Besides the subject of

slavery, a reader could learn about the great advances that have been made in

racial equality since the time that the book was written. Back in Twain.s time, it

was uncommon for a black to be able to vote or even own property, but, today

blacks enjoy largely the same rights and privileges that whites do. Therefore, a

reader reading Huckleberry Finn could learn about a number of informative topics.

This point illustrates the fact that not all arguments by anti-Twain activists are

justified.

A large group of opposing critics consider this novel to be a .classic. and

demand that it be made required reading at all schools. These critics use several

arguments to justify this demand. One of the most prominent arguments is,

.Its satirical mode forces us to recognize the inconsistencies in our

moral consciousness (Nichols, Pp. 210).

Nichols. arguement is one of the strongest in favor of Huckleberry Finn.

This arguement illustrates his point that the main theme of this novel is to show its

reader that times have been much worse and that we didn.t always enjoy the

freedoms we take for granted today. This is very true. For example, Pap, Huck.s

father, is a blatant rac

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