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 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”

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