Huckleberry Finn

Is Mark Twain speaking through Huck, or do you think Huck's point of view is different from Twain's? Explain.


Numerous characters in novels, fiction or nonfiction, are molded by some form of inspiration be it a historical figure, society or personal experience. Many authors try to convey their personal opinions through allegories, satire, metaphors…etc. brought upon through the characters with examples being Animal Farm by George Orwell and Candide by Voltaire both carrying some controversy along with them.

Thus being said, written in the 19th century, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, is also a novel that carries immense controversy since the time it was published and even today. The book has received controversial criticism because many believe that the main character portrays extensive racism. Though Huckleberry Finn may be an ambiguous character, I find it credible that Mark Twain did embody his voice through Huck without developing Huck’s character through personal experiences.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, controversial or not is noted as one of The Great American Novels. “The Great American Novel is a book that tells a fictionalised story that is set in a certain period in time, which uses real life events and beliefs as a means of highlighting the era it is based on. 1 ” Though Huck’s character is seen as a stealing, lying, and uneducated boy those are the “values” that are imposed from his father.

I believe that Mark Twain purposely tried to portray his beliefs in this novel in a discrete way by using Huck, a boy of naïve innocence. Huck would have opinions thrown at him such as stealing is borrowing, one must strive to be good in order to be in heaven, superstitions, and many other beliefs that many other characters in the novel bestow upon him. However, Huck does not immediately accept them but questions and reasons what he thinks is right. Mark Twain had beliefs that was not accepted by most of society, hence being in the story, Huck’s journey along the Mississippi River to free his friend Jim from slavery. Mark Twain opposed most of society’s views and tried to characterize his views through Huck.

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1 "The Great American Novel." 2007. 20 Oct. 2007