The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Themes Racism Slavery

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Themes

Racism & Slavery • written after Emancipation Proclamation abolished slavery, but time period of story set during slavery • during Reconstruction, a less institutionalized form of slavery existed in the South (Jim Crow laws) • allegorical portrayal of conditions of “blacks” in U. S. after end of slavery • hypocrisy of “civilized” society which values morality, but condones slavery

Hypocrisy of “Civilized” Society • society’s laws (Miss Watson and Widow Douglas) vs. higher moral values (Huck and Jim) • rules and precepts that reflect faulty logic • civilized vs. natural • a “just” society that condones slavery • unsteady justice is blinded by cowardice, prejudice, and a lack of common sense • seemingly good and characters are slave-owners • Examples:

Freedom • • • importance of individual thinking and ideas escaping an illogical and oppressive society Mississippi River as a safe haven slavery vs. liberty outcasts labeled by citizens (mob mentality) are arguably the only truly free characters • Examples:

Maturation and Development • a significant factor in Huck’s moral education is his youth • being open-minded is a quality that Huck represents, as a child, which allows for his development and maturation • Huck’s relationship with Jim assists his progression throughout the novel • Huck’s experiences and apprehension about society help lead to his maturity

Symbols • The Mississippi River • a source of freedom; a safe haven • Raft • tool for escape • Money • separates the civilized from the “outcasts”