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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 )
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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 • Examples:
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”
Emancipation Proclamation Reconstruction Jim Crow Laws allegory superstition precept mob mentality bildungsroman hypocrisy satire irony dialect parody Terms to know:
