Huckleberry Finn Romanticism Analysis

Mankind creates the idea of romanticism, which glorifies and justifies absurd practices and actions. On the other hand, Nature itself consists of the belief of more realistic and practical means, necessary in the survival in the wilderness, leading to individual accomplishing a certain task with a specific purpose. In the adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the appearance of the Grangerford serves as an example of such corrupt romanticism. When Huckleberry Finn asks about the feud and murder between the Grangerford and Shepardson, Buck responds:“ ‘We

ll,’ says Buck, ‘a feud is this way: A man has a quarrel with another man, and kills him; then that other man's brother kills him; then the other brothers, on both sides, goes for one another; then the cousins chip in—and by and by everybody's killed off, and there ain't no more feud, but
it's kind of slow, and takes a long time"(Twain).
Twain criticizes the absurdity of the feud, which contrasts with the natural realism of Huck Finn. Thereby revealing the foolish actions that individuals commit under the pretense of romanticism’s reputation and glory. Furthermore, Twain uses the innocence of Buck to describe the horrendous murders and genocide of the two families as a natural and seemingly average occurrence. Twain warns of romanticism’s ability to numb individuals to the horrors of their actions, leading to individuals committing atrocities as to achieve their romantic goals. In specific occasions, people require the ideals of romanticism to have the drive and courage to accomplish their goals. The critic William F. Byrne accepts that Twain uses romantic imagination which drives much of the actions of his characters. William F. Byrne states: “Those inspired by romanticism may be real men, but they are nevertheless led into moral error”. Although the character’s actions may seem righteous to them or to others, such actions often occur without any realization of the bigger picture leading to regrets or suffering later on. Bryne states Twain manipulates his
character’s action under the false belief of romanticism to serve as a warning towards his reader of romanticism effects on their actions. Furthermore, Twain establishes the necessity of a more naturalistic realism towards certain situation as to avoid unnecessary and pointless murder. Overall Twain states that the individual carrying the romanticized imagination of modern civilization must apply the realistic ideas that comes with the necessities of surviving in nature, in order to successfully navigate the treacherous action and decisions one must make.