...Should the book, Huckleberry Finn,be taught in schools today? This question is very controversial across America. Because Mark Twain’s,Huckleberry Finnwasset before the Civil War, in the mid-1800s, Twain writes about slaves and blacks as they were saw in that era. Even though this was just a time in History that the whole world went through, people now want to try and erase that time in History. Huckleberry Finn was written during a time in America that should not be forgotten, but studied and used as a way to improve life today.Huckleberry Finn should be taught and read in schools. Huckleberry Finn is a book written by the famous author, Mark Twain. This book follows the adventures of a young boy named Huckleberry Finn. This book is...
Words: 564 - Pages: 3
...Mark Twain’s first successful piece of work was a book about a young boy named Tom Sawyer. Tom and his best friend, Huckleberry Finn, went around, getting in trouble and going on exciting adventures. It was a popular children's book. So, when Mark Twain came out with his next book; The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a story of Huck running away from home and going on new adventures with a slave, everyone was surprised by its controversial topics and offensive racial slurs. Now, 130 years later, the book is the number one most banned book in America. The question of whether it should still be taught in school is being brought up again. The themes in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain are still relevant today, and therefore, the book should still be taught in school. Some of the themes in the book are argued to be inappropriate. A boy running away from home, the bad language, a white boy and a black man being friends, the scheming and scamming; these are all topics that some may think shouldn’t be taught in school. These are themes that need to be addressed because they are real life topics. They may have been hard to talk about in the past but now, they are good teaching devices. The controversial topics in the book...
Words: 862 - Pages: 4
...Although The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain has caused quite the controversy over the past century, this novel happens to be a great American classic. However, many believe that this novel should be removed from public schools because of its negative impact on children. The fact that this book is still relevant in today's literature since 1884 proves its importance, otherwise it would have been obsolete by now. Therefore, this book should not be banned. Instead, a censored version of Huckleberry Finn should be taught in public high schools. First of all, the adapted version will help resolve the conflict with the n-word. One of the reasons the n-word is a conflict is because of the humiliation it gives to black students. Eliminating...
Words: 958 - Pages: 4
...novel, Huckleberry Finn, has been very controversial ever since it has been published. There are some who believe that the novel should be banned from schools because of Twain’s use of the “n” word. Others believe that it is an American classic that is considered one of the greatest works of American literature which should be allowed in schools. I believe Huckleberry Finn should not be banned in schools because Mark Twain uses accurate dialect of the 19th century south. Also, the novel depicts the problems and issues that deal with slavery that everyone who reads it can learn from. Huckleberry Finn consist of accurate dialect of the early 19th century when slavery was still legal. Twain gives different dialects to different characters based off of their character and their role in the South. For example, Huck uses contractions and misplaced words when he says “what’s the use you learning to do right, when it’s troublesome to do right and ain’t no trouble to do wrong, and the wages is just the same?” (Huckleberry Finn, pg 91), and when Jim says “Goodness gracious, is dat you, Huck? En you ain’ dead-you ain’ drownded-you’s back ag’in?” (Huckleberry Finn, pg 83). Huck’s dialect falls along the typical dialect of the South while Jim’s...
Words: 748 - Pages: 3
...Huck Finn: Comparing and Contrasting the Controversies Surrounding Banning Books The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, deemed one of the great American novels, was published by Mark Twain in 1884. From the start, this novel has sparked a lot of negative criticism. There were heated debates among critics, and in schools debating whether or not to ban this controversial piece of literature. In today's society, this book still offends sensitive readers, because it was written in a time when people were not sensitive to the plight of African Americans. Just a month after it was published, The Concord, library in Massachusetts banned all copies stating that it was “Not suitable for trash.” (Ruta1) It was believed, that racism was at the heart of this book, and the content was, and still viewed as being harsh. Louisa May Alcott was a popular author who served on the very first library committee in Massachusetts, where The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was banned. She voted against this book from being sold, read or viewed. Criticizing Mark Twain saying that "Huck should not sweat. He should perspire." (Ruta1) Other libraries began removing their copies stating that it is inappropriate for children to read. The number of concerned citizens continue to debate on this subject today. Derogatory words are seen throughout this story in reference to showcase the difference between the two classes, white verses black. This book not only celebrates an unlikely friendship between...
Words: 2006 - Pages: 9
...Huck Finn: Recommended but not Required The probability of a student being able to understand and appreciate the value of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn if having been introduced to it too young and with a poor teacher is like a seed being able on to grow on concrete: improbable and disappointing. Similar to a student, a seed needs conducive and nurturing conditions in order to grow— that’s why only a small few end up reaching their full potential. Seeds need access to direct sunlight, water, and proper soil. Students need access to passionate teachers who are invested in educating their students properly—especially when it comes to challenging literature. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a novel that has immense value and meaning; however, it is also one of the most misunderstood and misinterpreted stories of all time. Twain’s classic is continuously accused of supporting the prejudiced attitudes it is actually criticizing. This is especially apparent when these confusing passages are not properly explained and put in context by an inspirational teacher. Huck Finn has the ability to become detrimental when it is put in the hands of students who lack enough academic experience to understand the book’s purpose on their own and/or lack a teacher who can properly explain it to them. Educators need to be able to illustrate to students that through satire, Twain shares his beliefs about racism, religion, and other topics that plagued America at the time – all...
Words: 1756 - Pages: 8
...The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn a great book. Also called the most racist novel ever. is it racist i don't think so. Others say the book is racist because the book states the n word 217 times by a white man. In my eyes when twain wrote this book he did not care what people were going to think thats why the book turned out as great as i did. most authors think too much about what other people are going to think. when twain wrote the book its was made in 1884 during slavery the word nigger was used very heavily. People focused how much the N word was used but didn't look at how a slave was a friend with a young white boy at the time. The author of Huckleberry Finn Mark Twain some say he is racist some say he is just a great author. Is mark twain racist? Most people who read the book say OH! he is racist because he uses the n word and he is white to me he was just creating a good book during a slavery time. A white boy friends with a slave you will never find that in 1884 but in this book...
Words: 615 - Pages: 3
...English III December 13, 2012 The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn The book The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn written by Mark Twain has been considered one of the greatest American novels in history. Unfortunately, no one receives this sort of praise without criticism. This book has been deemed indecent for many younger readers due to its lack of morals and failure to conform to today’s politically correct language. Most of the disapproval comes from the racist comments, words, and general feeling towards one of the main characters, Jim. The big controversy here is whether or not this book should be available for young readers in libraries, and if it should be used as a learning material in classrooms. The book The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn should be taught in classrooms under certain conditions. One of the strongest reasons people believe that younger readers should not be subjected to this book is because of its racial undertones. Twain was writing to portray what happened at this time in history and what the social norms were. In fact if he didn’t include words such as the “N” word in his novel it would not have accurately portrayed the people during that time period. Using these racial terms is a sensitive Maze 2 thing to deal with. Although this book is accurate, younger readers aren’t educated enough to know the consequences of some of the terms used. Michiko Kakutani believed that “to censor or redact books on school reading lists is a form of denial: shutting the...
Words: 763 - Pages: 4
...For centuries a war has been roaring in the world of literature about the american classic Huckleberry Finn. You are either on the side saying Huck Finn should be banned or that it should be praised for being a well written novel reflecting human weakness. While researching there was a considerable amount more of people who believe Huck Finn to be a great novel. But with great persistence I have came to believe that Huckleberry Finn should be not be taught in school due to having large amounts of the N-word, racial stereotypes, and religious disobedience. Throughout the novel Twain repeatedly uses the N word to such a degree that is intolerable. During the entirety of the novel “Twain uses the N-word a total of 219 times”(CBS 2). “NAACP...
Words: 826 - Pages: 4
...Censorship can be for the good of people, but as well for the worst. When censorishop comes into mind, many think of undemocratic or fascist regimes preventing any type of influence other than theirs. Most of the time, certain sensitive topics, phrases, or even words would be redacted to protect the public, but what happens when a famous piece of American literature was modified because of its choice of words that was purposely selected to convey its message? This is the case for The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, written by Mark Twain and is a fiction book about a young boy facing moral dilemmas in the racially-biased South. The book, commonly known in high schools, used the word “nigger”, a word ridden with a dark history of African American...
Words: 1073 - Pages: 5
...Running head: CHARACTER QUALITIES OR FLAWS Emma J. Alden Character Qualities or Flaws Bethel University Week 5 12A30 Abstract Samuel Clemens is a well know author from the late 1800’s to early 1900’s. He wrote many books as well as short stories. Two of his most well-known books are Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Fin. These books and the characters were based on what was occurring at time of the writings, example; the end to the Civil War, and his own life experiences. Some of these characters he admired and some he did not. Still, all of them make these two books a great read to all people. Let us look at some of these characters he portrays in the story of Huckleberry Finn. The novel of Huckleberry Finn was written at the end of the Civil War, at the time slavery was coming to an end. The southerners did not want to give up slavery as they needed these men and women to attend to their farmland, as this was their main source of income in the south during this time. After this war, Congress amended the Constitution to abolish slavery but this did not hold up in all of the states. This book is written from this time period. The first character to be discussed is Huck himself. Twain has portrayed Huck to be an intelligent and thoughtful individual. A young boy of 13, whose father is a drunk and leaves for months on end, eventually dying, leaving Huck homeless, dirty and hungry. An elder widow takes Huck into her home and tries to reform him; gives him schooling...
Words: 1734 - Pages: 7
...Some schools have banned The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from their reading lists in hopes to protect their students from the chaos caused by one word. Unlike those who support censorship, these inviduals believe that replacing the word will not solve the conflict because it will demolish the significance of Jim’s character in the novel. However, they also do not want it to continue to be taught in classrooms because they categorize it as “inappropriate for children”(Lombardi). The racist language displayed in the novel could affect the young children, whom may not understand such a word or its impact. It is like a jack-in-the-box toy that jumps out of the novel everytime one comes across it. But the book itself provides a vluable lesson that all students should comprehend, so then why ban it? According to PBS, “every challenge purports that the book is racist… conflicted with the values of the community”(PBS). Those who want to ban the book argue that despite the novel’s popularity, its relevance is outdated and the racist language overruns the theme and values of the...
Words: 1734 - Pages: 7
...By many The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is considered a great American novel due to the growth of Huck Finn throughout the novel, that should be taught and studied in high schools. Huck is a white southern boy living with the widow Douglas and Miss Watson. Jim is a slave working for Miss Watson. The growth of Huck is important to study because Huck's journey was about changing forming his own opinions, and not trying to be the same as everyone else. Being from the south in the 1800’s most white people considered the African Americans inferior to them. Through their journey Huck learns about race, deception, and greed. An important reason to study Huckleberry Finn is the development of Huck Finn as a person. At the beginning of the book, Huck has the view of the rest of the people in his town. The African Americans are inferior to the whites. So when Huck meets Jim in the woods after running away he treats Jim like an inferior person."It was fifteen minutes before I could work myself up to go and humble myself to a nigger."(Page number) This reflects Hucks thinking. He sees him as an inferior and feels like he is lowering himself to have to apologize. When Huck and Jim are on the raft together they begin to develop a strong relationship....
Words: 709 - Pages: 3
...Man VS Society in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Through out the story we see Huck go against what society expected of him. Society at that time only knew slavery, and so Huck was given these ideas. However, you can see from the beginning that he knows something is wrong with the way society lives. Huck is much more open minded and free willed. He didn’t want to conform to being civilized, and as society continued to pressure him he begins to get a new perspective on slavery. He experiences it first hand, and he now understands why slaves want their freedom. To continue, Freedom is something that is very prevalent in this story, and it is something that Huck wants. Huck becomes a slave to his father when Judge Thatcher says that he belongs with him, and not with Mrs. Watson who was previously taking care of Huck. Even though Huck’s father is an abusive drunk the government still forces Huck to stay with him. To elaborate, Huck’s father represents the harshness and cruelty of society. Slavery was all anyone knew and so the government didn’t think twice about making Huck a slave to his father. In contrast, Huck began to like his father’s way of life. His father did what he wanted to. He talked how he wanted to do. There were no rules. When Huck was living with Mrs. Watson she made him go to school, talk correctly and politely, and dress appropriately. This was how society said a person should look and act. Huck learned quickly that this was not who he was...
Words: 728 - Pages: 3
...Today all around there are problems waiting to be solved, so day by day people are coming up with these solutions. What people do not realize is that sometimes these “problems” getting solved are not really getting solved instead causing more problems, controversy. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn written by Mark Twain, whose purpose in writing this book was to demonstrate to his audience at the time which was in the 19th century that all the ethical problems that they had and did nothing about were affecting the way society was. The main problem that brought controversy in the people is not only the main message behind the story but also the fact that the “n-word” is mentioned 219 times in the book. This is a controversy because people find...
Words: 912 - Pages: 4
