Use of the N* Word in Huck Finn & Society

Use of the N* Word in Huck Finn & Society

  • Submitted By: bminery
  • Date Submitted: 03/29/2013 2:48 PM
  • Category: English
  • Words: 341
  • Page: 2
  • Views: 151

The N* word was never really accepted by american society, but even so, Mark Twain used it extensively in this novel. Most authors try to paint a less graphic and almost happier picture of the Pre-Civil War south. Twain however wants to have the reader really see what the american south was like. Using the N* word was one way to get across how brutal and racist it was.
Pre-Civil war south was a tough place to be in for most people, especially african-americans. There was hatred, murder, and racism everywhere. On the brink of war conflicts inside only escaladed. African-americans were executed and attacked for no reason. Attempt to reach free states would result in death. It was truly a terrible place and time for american history. That is why it is a sensitive topic in most books. Authors do not like to bring up the fact of how america was wrong for so long. Most americans are embarrassed or offended.
In “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” Twain uses many racial stereotypes and offensive words. Huck is only a child and he still uses these horrible words like they are part of an average vocabulary. This makes a huge impact on the reader. Seeing a small child use these words gives people the realization of how bad it was. That is a realization that most people do not want to face. Because of that reason this book has been, banned, edited, and argued about since the day it was published.
When a book tries to refer to the south it has to be careful and watch how it approaches the topic in general. Twain took a completely different approach. He wanted to expose the south for what it truly was. He knew he would offend some people but to create a great book and truly represent the south he had to go beyond feelings. Because of Twain’s willingness to put his reputation on the line he created a novel that changed literature for the world.

Similar Essays