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In Huckleberry Finn, Twain attempts to create the mood of the pre-Civil War South. In doing this twain must develop a primary theme that relates to Southern society at the time, this theme is racism. Initially, Huck is characterized as a Southern boy, ingrained with inherent racism that was evident in Southern society. Throughout the novel Huck is confronted with continuous examples of racism, and begins to realize he is not a racist, during his uninfluenced time with Jim, and eventually sheds the whole concept of racism from his mind. ... By integrating the theme of racism into Huck’s struggle society’s reality, a sense of contempt is portrayed for this countries most irrational issue. Racism is also demonstrated, in certain scenes, involving the complete disrespect of the black race, even in some cases by Huck himself. However ridiculous racism was, not one character in the novel with the exception of Jim, ever refrained from making some kind of racist remark. Twain uses racism to enhance the mood and attitude of the prewar South, especially in the development of Huck, and his struggle with reality throughout the novel.
From the start of the novel, the presence of racism is evident, when Huck is adopted; The Widow and Miss Watson have tried to help Huck conform to society’s civilized standards. After Huck was introduced to civilized society, he befriended Tom Sawyer. Tom, having been born and raised in civilized society, has never inherited the natural or uninhibited tendencies that Huck has been raised with. Tom Sawyer is used satirize the civilized person’s ethics, specifically their attitudes towards racism. In a specific scene Tom represents the natural racism, which allows him to mistreat people of the black race.
Approximate Word count = 1352
Approximate Pages = 5.4
(250 words per page double spaced)
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