1. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Themes

2. 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

3. 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:

4. 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:

5. 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

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