Tad Mehringer

2/2/01

10th Honors English

Huckleberry Finn Essay

        

The novel Huckleberry Finn, written by Mark Twain, has been widely read around the world today, especially in America.  There are many aspects of the novel that people have tried to emphasize to others.  Some people agree with others about the contents of the book, while others disagree.  There are many varying opinions on the controversial novel Huckleberry Finn.

        Huckleberry Finn is regarded as a Great American novel because of its symbolism, chiefly the River.  For example, in his essay, Lionel Trilling refers to the river as a symbol, like that of a Greek god, because “the river itself is only divine; it is not ethical and good.”  The River in Huckleberry Finn is not helping Huck and Jim to escape, nor is it hindering them, but it shows the strength that it has against human society.  Also, even though the River isn’t voluntarily helping Huck and Jim it acts as a beacon to the voyage, for it is the River that makes them feel safe.  In addition, T.S. Elliot shows that the strength of the novel is the River, for, “It is the River that controls the voyage of Huck and Jim…Thus the River makes the book a great book.”  Mark Twain used the River as a symbol to help us experience and feel as if we ourselves are with Huck and Jim on the raft.  Also, the image of the river attracts people to reading Huckleberry Finn, because it is the river that unites the book together and rewards the reader with its symbolism.  The River is a main example of symbolism in Huckleberry Finn, which helps the story to be regarded as a Great American novel.

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        The novel Huckleberry Finn is not considered by some to be a Great American novel because the flow is too confusing and complex.  For example, in his essay, William Van O’ Connor exposes the error in Jim’s attempt to flee to freedom, for “the downstream movement of the story (theme as well as action) runs counter to Jim’s effort to escape.”  This may cause one to ask why Jim, who was so torn about his family, would not think to ask Huck about their destination, an issue that meant a great deal to Jim.  Also, this seems to show the ignorance ...

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