Why Is Huckleberry Finn Controversial

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A Great Debate: The Controversies Surrounding The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

In 1885, Mark Twain, renowned travel writer, lecturer, humorist and novelist, published The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a young adult novel following the journey of an all American-rebel boy and a runaway slave. Although Twain has written many successful novels including The Innocents Abroad and Roughing It, Huckleberry Finn collects numerous controversial debates relating to almost every aspect about the novel. The language in the story spikes attention in readers, whether it is the profanity or the specific way that Huck speaks. Huckleberry is known for his deceit throughout the book, which also troubles audiences and how it has the potential to negatively affect younger
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Huck’s behavior throughout the novel raises alarms with many readers who find his actions to be offensive and label him as an inappropriate model for young readers. June Edwards states in her article, “Morality and Huckleberry Finn”, her own opinions about the subject that fall towards the positive aspects of Huckleberry and his behavior that is degraded. Edwards makes the point that although there are negative aspects about Huck Finn and its appropriateness, they are also the same characteristics about the novel that give it so much character and historical value. She states, “Huck has poor manners, but he strives not to hurt anyone. He has little schooling but much natural wisdom. He lies and steals but only to protect himself and those he loves” (Edwards 35). She goes on to mention the scenario of Jim and his own personal quest of freedom and how Huck not only helps Jim, but also defies authoritative figures to do so, which symbolizes their strong bond. This indicates how Huck is as a protagonist, allowing readers to continue the debate on his actions and if they can be praised or