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Huck And Finn

Whether or Not Huckleberry Finn is a Racist Novel

Huckleberry Finn - A Racist Novel?
There is a major argument among literary critics whether The Adventures of
Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, is or is not a racist novel. The question
focuses on the depiction of Jim, the black slave, and the way he is treated
by Huck and other characters. The use of the word "nigger" is also a point
raised by some critics, who feel that Twain uses the word too often and too
loosely. Mark Twain never presents Jim in a negative light. He does not
show Jim as a drunkard, as a mean person, or as a cheat. This is in contrast
to the way Huck's (white) father is depicted, whom Twain describes using all
of the above characterizations and more. The reader views Jim as a good
friend - a man devoted to his family and loyal to his companions.
Jim is, however, very naive and superstitious. Some critics say that Twain
is implying that all blacks have these qualities. When Jim turns to his
magic hairball for answers about the future, we see that he does believe in
some foolish things. ...

There is a major argument among literary critics whether Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, is or is not a racist novel. The question boils down to the depiction of Jim, the black slave, and to the way he is treated by Huck and other characters. The use of the word "nigger" is also a point raised by some critics, who feel that Twain uses the word too much and too loosely.
Mark Twain never presents Jim in a negative light. He does not show Jim as a drunkard, as a mean person or as a cheat. This is in contrast to the way Huck's (white) father is depicted, whom Twain describes using all of the above characterizations and more. We see Jim as a good friend, a man devoted to his family and loyal to his companions. He is, however, very naive and superstitious. Some critics say that Twain is implying that all blacks have these qualities. When Jim turns to his magic hairball for answers...