The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: An Analysis of Conflict
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
“When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him.”
- Jonathan Swift
“Thoughts on Various Subjects, Moral and Diverting”
In some works of literature, the main character often finds himself or herself in conflict with the social or moral values of his environment. Choose one novel or play of literary merit in which the character is at odds with the people around him or her, or with society at large. Write an essay in which you explain how these conflicts are essential to the overall meaning of the work.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: An Analysis of Conflict
In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, author Mark Twain introduces the conflict of an individual versus society. Huckleberry Finn, the protagonist, embarks on an adventure of his own in order to escape the society that has done him wrong. With a runaway slave as his companion, Huck ventures out on the Mississippi River, observing and analyzing all aspects of the world around him. On his journey, Huck not only uncovers the hidden hypocrisy of his so-called “civilized” society, but also discovers his own inner conscience and sense of morality.
Set in pre-Civil War Missouri, Huckleberry Finn’s tale captures the essence of southern society during that time period. During the early nineteenth century, slavery was still a predominant establishment in southern life. Those who owned slaves saw nothing wrong with the practice, for they had been raised believing slavery was just and acceptable. And the slaves themselves were born into the system simply accepting their fate as inferior beings. The reader sees this strange predicament in almost every situation Huck is faced with, from his temporary stay with the Widow Douglas to his encounter with Mrs. Loftus.
During his stay with the Widow Douglas and her sister Miss Watson, Huck is constantly pestered to be more well-mannered and
“When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him.”
- Jonathan Swift
“Thoughts on Various Subjects, Moral and Diverting”
In some works of literature, the main character often finds himself or herself in conflict with the social or moral values of his environment. Choose one novel or play of literary merit in which the character is at odds with the people around him or her, or with society at large. Write an essay in which you explain how these conflicts are essential to the overall meaning of the work.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: An Analysis of Conflict
In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, author Mark Twain introduces the conflict of an individual versus society. Huckleberry Finn, the protagonist, embarks on an adventure of his own in order to escape the society that has done him wrong. With a runaway slave as his companion, Huck ventures out on the Mississippi River, observing and analyzing all aspects of the world around him. On his journey, Huck not only uncovers the hidden hypocrisy of his so-called “civilized” society, but also discovers his own inner conscience and sense of morality.
Set in pre-Civil War Missouri, Huckleberry Finn’s tale captures the essence of southern society during that time period. During the early nineteenth century, slavery was still a predominant establishment in southern life. Those who owned slaves saw nothing wrong with the practice, for they had been raised believing slavery was just and acceptable. And the slaves themselves were born into the system simply accepting their fate as inferior beings. The reader sees this strange predicament in almost every situation Huck is faced with, from his temporary stay with the Widow Douglas to his encounter with Mrs. Loftus.
During his stay with the Widow Douglas and her sister Miss Watson, Huck is constantly pestered to be more well-mannered and