Реферат: Racism In Huck Finn Essay Research Paper

theories is that the hearts of men are about alike, all over the world,

whatever their skin-complexions may be ?. Another time he stated “Nearly all

black and brown skins are beautiful, but a beautiful white skin is rare” . He

also said “There are many humorous things in the world; among them is the

white man’s notion that he is less savage than all the other savages”. These

statements were noted in an essay by Peter Swalden who in summation

states ?Mark Twain a “racist”! Isn’t it about time we put this ridiculous notion

to rest? (1). Because he is a black man fleeing slavery, Jim faces many struggles.

He is constantly reminded of the dangers of running and is threatened by his

capture. He is also forced to accept the fact that his race makes him inferior to a

white, and even a friend like Huck is still of higher status. Huck and Jim overcome

the race barrier, only after Huck overcomes the inner struggle of whether to save

Jim or not. Huck’s idea of racism is based on his upbringing, but he himself

questions the validity of these statements of black inferiority (Ritter 1).

Throughout the novel societies voice is heard through Huck. The

racist and hateful contempt which existed at the time is present, but it is

essential for the reader to see how Twain opposes these ideas throughout

the novel. Twains brings out the ugliness of society and causes the reader to

challenge the original description of Jim. In a subtle matter, he creates a

challenge to slavery (Wallace 12).

After a careful examination of the book, one can realize that Twain is

attempting to show us the vast problems that society has. One of those

problems is slavery, so he gives the reader an idea of the runaway slave?s

position. Regardless of whether his interpretation of the slave?s position is

correct or not, it is not an attempt to degrade blacks, but rather an effort to show

the reader that in Twain?s opinion, slavery is wrong. Twain?s novel was not

intended to be a book about slavery, it was intended to be a book which showed

how wrong society was. Twain not only shows the reader that there are things

which need to be changed, but also points out quite a few things which need