Huckleberry Finn: Still a Classic?

By Max Johnson
One of the biggest reasons why The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is considered a classic today is because the themes present in the book during the era it was written are still prevalent today. This is also one of the main reasons why it has been taught in classrooms across the country for decades. Two of the most important themes occurring in this adventure are those of friendship and of moral dilemmas- both of which are still relevant today. This controversial piece of writing has withstood the test of time and has imparted many important lessons to people, both young and old. In my opinion, the most important theme displayed in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is the theme of friendship. In the story, two people from opposite sides of the spectrum become great friends. Im talking about the friendship of the white, wealthy southerner, Huckleberry Finn and his guardians African-American slave, Jim. Despite the heavy prejudice against black people by most white people in the south at the time the story takes place, this unlikely couple strikes up a friendship and look after each other throughout the story. During the progression of this book, Jims relationship with Huck transforms from being Miss Watsons big nigger, (p.4) to Huck becoming the best friend old Jim ever had in the world. (p.214). This theme is still relevant today because, although racism is still present in todays society, the friendship of individuals with different likes, characteristics, and ethnicities is even more common than it has ever been. If students take one lesson from this story, it is that friendship can be found even in the most unlikely and unexpected places.

Another very important theme in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is the theme of moral dilemmas and the choices we all have to make. Almost the entire story is based around making important decisions and the process of weighing all possible factors and options before making and acting on your decision. One of the most important choices that Huckleberry Finn has to make in the story is whether or not to turn Jim in. At one point, Huck comes very close to handing Jim over to Miss Watson but decides not to, saying All right, then, Ill go to hell. (p.214). This part amused me quite a bit because Huck made this decision purely out of the goodness of his heart and the deep bond he and Jim had. In his mind, the right thing to do was to turn Jim in, but this was not due to any prejudice he had. The way Huck saw it because of societys norms at the time, Jim rightfully was Miss Watsons property, and he didnt see anything wrong with that, but he chose to follow his heart and not his head and stay true to his friend. Another important decision Huck was faced with during the story was whether or not he should steal the money endowed in Peters will. He had had enough of Duke and Kings trickery and wanted to do what was right, so he stole the money, hid it, and told Peters sister the whereabouts of it. Huck talked to Miss Mary Jane about it, exclaiming I had it, because I stole it from them; and I stole it to give to you; and I know where I hid it, but Im afraid it aint there no more. (p.190). This was a big turning point for Huck because up until this point, Huck had just gone along with all of Duke and Kings devilish acts and turned a blind eye towards it. Even today, we all have to make important decisions throughout our lives, and unless we take into account all factors and outcomes, we cant be sure we are making the right decision. Huck took the time to do this and in my opinion, in both accounts he made the right decision. One controversial question regarding The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is whether or not this story should be taught in high school classrooms across America. In my opinion, it

should not. Although it does have several important lessons to teach, there is nothing special about the actual story. It has a beginning, an end, and no middle, and during the entire time that I read the book, I was waiting for a climax that never happened. Perhaps I feel this way because the style of writing in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is so different than the more current style of writing, and I feel in some ways it was hard to relate to. Another important reason why I feel it should not be taught in the classroom is that it contains hurtful racial slurs that many people take offence to. Although that was the language used during the time period that the story was written, it still triggers strong emotions for many people and, therefore, should not be taught in a classroom setting that is supposed to be a safe environment for everyone. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is to this day, and will remain to be, a classic. It contains many important lessons and themes that are still present in todays world and that teach readers what it means to be a good person. After saying this, I dont think it should be taught in a classroom setting. There is nothing especially unique about the story and I think that with the racial slurs used in the book, teaching it in the classroom could cause more harm than good. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a classic. There is no denying that. If anything should be taken from this paper it is that in spite of all of the controversy surrounding this book, it has withstood the test of time, it teaches valuable life lessons, and it remains to this day a great example of our American heritage.

Everybody said it was a real beautiful oath, and asked Tom if he got it out of his own head. He said some of it, but the rest was out of pirate-books and robber-books, and every gang that was high-toned had it. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn