Huckleberry Finn, a Book of Controversy :: essays papers

Huckleberry Finn, a Book of ControversySince its publication over one hundred years ago, Mark Twain?s Huckleberry Finn has caused many disagreements and much controversy. The style and language used by Mark Twain is implant as offensive to some, shake to others and yet bittersweet to me. All sides have strong arguments, ones that are enlightened and heartfelt. That is what makes it so difficult to decide whether to teach or read aloud Huckleberry Finn in the classroom.Opponents of the teaching, or usance, of Huckleberry Finn in the classroom say that they find the book despicable, ?trash? and other harsh adjectives. One of the main reasons they criticize the book is for the impost of racial slurs towards the Afri sens-American people, such as ?nigger.? They also claim that the author, Mark Twain, stereotypes Jim, an escaped African-American slave, as to be a fool with less intelligence than a fourteen-year-old Caucasian boy does. As John H. Wallace puts it, ?It Huckleberry F inn contributes to their the African-American students feelings of low self-esteem and to the white student?s disrespect for black people As you can see feelings of some are bitter towards the usage of Huckleberry Finn in the classroom.Proponents of the book claim that the book should be taught for several reasons, including the anti-slavery message of the book. In contrast to the opponents, David L. metalworker writes, he Mark Twain portrays Jim the escaping slave as a compassionate, shrewd, thoughtful, self-sacrificing, and even a wise man.? Supporters also point out that Twain actually condemns white society of the day for their gaga practice of slavery. Supporter, Kenny G. Williams, feels that the novel should be read, for it uncovers a basic historical reality, which is important for the advancement of equality. Now you can see how people?s positions on the usage of Huckleberry Finn vary greatly from on another.I have not yet read the book, yet through some research I hav e found that I more support the book than denounce it. I interviewed a dark skinned friend of mine, Sanjay Nakka, and he had a positive message. He said, ?The usage of this book Huckleberry Finn is quintessential to the acceptance of racial equality. Sometimes we need some controversy to bring a problem to light, where you can work on it, you hunch over I also tend to lean towards his opinion, for I have heard strong arguments against the book, yet I have heard stronger, more heartfelt and educated arguments for the use of Huckleberry Finn in the classroom.