Discuss the symbolic values of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by M. Twain

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
contains several values of our national
history.

1. RELEVANCE OF BOYHOOD/CHILDHOOD: Twain writes
this book from a child's point of view. Thus, we readers catch every silly misconception
that a child might have about society or they way things are, as well as every lie and
the human emotions that accompany lies. We find the creativity of Tom Sawyer at work
that demonstrates the imagination of children, and the contention between Tom and Huck's
different approaches that demonstrate how some little kids think irrationally and others
practically. For each, it is a matter of continuing to grow. The morality of children
comes through in Tom's determinations of when to pay for a crime or item, and when to
just steal.

2. IMPORTANCE OF HUMAN DIGNITY FOR
ALL RACES: Huck views Jim from the beginning as a toy or object. As time goes on, he
grows a love for Jim that forces kindness and sacrifice. When he considers continuing to
help Jim, he considered how his efforts for aiding Jim are against the law, but to Huck,
it didn't seem right. This is where morality begins to strike Huck. He even finally
decides he'd rather go to hell and help Jim instead of turning Jim in. Huck didn't live
the finest childhood a kid could have by any means, but he comes to value Jim and see
his humanity as Jim cares about his kids and experiences pains and ultimate frustration
at the Phelps' farm. I believe when Jim risks his freedom for Tom's health, Huck gains
even further respect for Jim.

3. TRUTHFUL REPRESENTATION OF
HISTORY: In the news right now, there is a publisher considering changing some of the
language of Huck Finn for a "cleaner, less offensive version". Although there are many
sides to the debate, Twain, in his own interviews and writings about the book claims
that he set out to represent the truth of life along the river in terms of slavery and
children. No pains are spared to show the evil of Pap. The chances for Jim to get caught
occur endlessly.

4. COMMENTS ON RELIGION, EDUCATION AND
FREEDOM: Twain uses his book to satirize the acts of religious people. Although Miss
Watson is a contagious Christian, she also takes snuff in private. At other moments,
Huck mocks prayer or Providence. In the long run, I think he still hopes for
forgiveness, but remains a child nonetheless doing things wrong. The education he
receives on the river with Jim may be of more value than he would receive at school
because he learned morality, something he struggled with in the classroom or under Miss
Watson's control. Jim's freedom granted in the will wasn't enforced until the ability to
control it was given up by Tom. Although we say we want things in our society, we don't
always actually put them into play until years later.

This
book SYMBOLIZES hundreds of years of AMERICAN HISTORY. Whether he intended it to or not,
it touches slavery, humanity, rights, dignity, childhood, abuse, imagination, and many
other topics that are truly American ideals.