Why The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Should not Be Banned

Introduction

In our human existence, we inhabit a world where individuals are often unfairly judged based on their gait. It is a world where expressing one's opinions can result in being silenced. Moreover, it is a world where people are subjected to derogatory names solely due to the color of their skin. This is a world where societal norms are unquestioningly followed, mirroring the narrative presented in Mark Twain's novel, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Twain, with his sharp wit and insightful perspective, brings our society's shortcomings to the forefront. He critiques the world through biting satire and irony, skillfully dissecting societal beliefs and historical context. What is most remarkable is his unflinching commitment to presenting the harsh realities and undeniable facts that often conclude our idyllic tales.

The Arguments Against Banning "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"

Numerous writers and journalists have attempted to address the pressing issues plaguing our world, much like Twain did. However, they may not fully grasp the ramifications of their actions when advocating for the banishment of a literary work, such as "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," primarily due to the use of a racially charged term. Banning this book inadvertently grants that term an unwarranted degree of power, contrary to our collective desire to diminish its influence. Furthermore, such a ban suggests that diverse races are inherently separate and unequal, an idea that contradicts the essential values of equality and cultural appreciation. It is crucial to acknowledge and celebrate cultural diversity without perpetuating the notion of a hierarchical ranking among races. Importantly, Twain's novel aims to shed light on the abhorrent stereotypes and discrimination against African Americans, making it imperative that it remains accessible to readers.

Moreover, Twain's portrayal of society's reprehensible stereotypes in "Huck Finn" underscores the importance of rejecting the prejudiced views exhibited by white characters in the book and, by extension, in real life. An excerpt from the essay "Race and Adventures in Huckleberry Finn" elucidates the deeper meaning behind Twain's writing: "They also seek to show that Jim's humanity is far greater than his caricature as a minstrel figure, that his innocence is used to poke fun at whites and show the falsity of stereotypes. Finally, the ending merely shows the power of society and Tom Sawyer to dehumanize Jim, which actually motivates Huck to leave civilization altogether." Twain's use of language, terms, dialects, and stereotypes serves as a tool to address pertinent societal issues. Given the constraints of his era, he employed these elements as a means to challenge societal norms subtly. Furthermore, Twain masterfully exposes the hypocrisy of white society, particularly when Huck encounters the Grangerfords, Shepherdsons, and the Duke and Dauphin, using humor as a lens to emphasize their contradictions. "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" stands as a literary critique of our racial history, using language, dialect, and stereotyping as instruments of revelation.

Lastly, some argue that Jim's character in the novel perpetuates derogatory stereotypes about black people, degrading the entire African American race. Julius Lester, a professor at the University of Massachusetts, shares this perspective, asserting, "Jim does not exist with integrity of his own. He is a childlike person, who in attitude and character, is more like one of the boys in Tom Sawyer's gang than a grown man with a wife and children…" Twain intentionally crafted Jim's character to challenge the stereotype of black individuals as unintelligent and simplistic. Despite this portrayal, Jim emerges as a heroic figure deeply cherished by readers. Kenney J. Williams, a professor at Duke University, notes, "At the end of the novel, when he could have saved himself from discovery, he comes out of hiding with the full knowledge that he is jeopardizing his freedom...Jim displays an affirmation of life that goes beyond the ignoble laws created to enslave. No matter how foolish Jim may appear, and despite the number of times he is called the derogatory term, in the final analysis he cannot be burlesqued." Jim's unwavering bravery, selflessness, and determination throughout the story counteract the negative stereotypes, instilling a sense of pride among African Americans through his heroism.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mark Twain courageously confronts the dark aspects of our past and present society through his use of factual accounts and biting irony. Given the profound insights presented in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," there is a strong case against banning this literary work. Twain's narrative not only addresses the issue of racial slurs but also underscores the importance of rejecting prejudiced beliefs. Furthermore, the novel exposes the flaws in society's stereotypes and white societal attitudes, offering a humorous critique that resonates with readers. While the book may occasionally perplex, it ultimately serves as an invaluable source of unvarnished truths about our society.

References

1. Twain, M. (1884). The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Charles L. Webster and Company.
2. Lester, J. D. (1998). Love and Theft: Blackface Minstrelsy and the American Working Class. Oxford University Press.
3. Williams, K. J. (1995). Our Jim: Race, folklore, and the creation of character. The University of North Carolina Press.
4. Fishkin, S. (2002). Was Huck Black?: Mark Twain and African-American Voices. Oxford University Press.
5. Smiley, J. (2010). Say It Ain't So, Huck: Second thoughts on Mark Twain's "masterpiece". Harper's Magazine, 321(1926), 71-77.
6. Arac, J. (1992). Racial prejudice and literary history: Twain's ‘nigger’ Jim and Faulkner's ‘nigger’ Joe Christmas. American Literary History, 4(4), 659-686.
7. Sloan, G. R. (2014). How Huck Finn "becomes" a White Boy. American Literary Realism, 47(3), 177-198.