Huck Finn Analysis

We are introduced to Huck as the narrator of the story We are introduced to Huck as the narrator of the story. It is told from his point of view. This is not the first time Huck has been in a novel, we learn he appeared in “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” but he tells us that we haven’t the need to read this to understand this story. Huck is living with the Widow Douglas. She is trying to civilize him (trying to teach him the manners and customs of society). This relates one of the main THEMES of the novel: conflict between freedom vs. civilization. Mark Twain follows the belief that civilization corrupts rather than improves human beings. Chapter one

Huck is forced to change his NATURAL character into what the Widow Douglas demands him to become. Irony is one of the key literary element in this novel. Which he sometimes displays through his sarcasm. Huck tells the widow that he would prefer Hell over heaven because it sounds like more fun. We are introduced to our next theme of superstition. This is a CONTRAST to Huck’s normal character. (He is seen as logical and rational.) His superstitious side is viewed when he interprets the nights sounds and his response to the dead spider. Chapter one

Chapter one Superstition is irrational. Therefore it is contrary to Huck’s usual manner. It is used to show that he is naïve and gullible. (That he will fall for anything.) Huck is MOST superstitious when he is worried about the future and is fearful of the unknown. Let me look into my crystal ball! Chapter one

We are introduced to the boys in the town We are introduced to the boys in the town. Huck is shown to be not very popular with the boys. This helps explain his feeling of isolation. The boys tend to ignore him. Thievery and honor are introduced in this chapter. When they talk about their gang and its shenanigans which are childish, irrational, illogical. It is based on pirate books and robber books. He is mocking adults that base their existence solely on the civilization based solely on a book. Slavery is introduced in this chapter when Tom and Huck encounter Jim (Miss Watson’s slave). Huck’s views on slavery will shift throughout the book. He supports slavery in the beginning of the novel, Huck begins to question his beliefs as the novel continues. Chapter two

Huck is shown as a logical thinker in this chapter Huck is shown as a logical thinker in this chapter. He cannot make believe about the picnic with Tom, nor believe that the body was Pap’s because it was on its back. He further questions Christianity. He’s told to pray for what he wants, when he doesn’t get it he sees this as pointless. This also influences his ideas of Christianity. Christian charity which offers him no use, so he finds it pointless. Even though, the Widow has taken him in out of Christian charity. Chapter three

Foreshadow ALERT! Superstition is dominant in this chapter… The salt shaker spilling leads Huck to believe there will be bad luck. (Pap) Magic Hairball Chapter four