From the start of the novel, it is evident that Huckleberry Finn has rejected a traditional life. He has come under pressure from the Widow Douglas and Miss Watson to conform to certain standards. At the same time, his father has demanded the opposite. It is clear from the first few chapters that Huckleberry has been deprived of a normal education. Now Ms. Watson's and the Widow's noble efforts are being terminated by Huck's father. Tom Sawyer and some of the other boys in the community are well educated and have middle class homes. By maintaining his independence, Huckleberry Finn has drifted away from mainstream logic. This has resulted in Finn's unique logic and exceptional ideas. I wonder if this new logic will make him question society. His eye might catch injustices that the conformed have blindly accepted. He is very sympathetic to Jim, Mrs. Watson's slave. Is Huckleberry's father any more uncivilized for being a drunk than Miss Watson is for being a slave owner? Huckleberry Finn has overcome his harsh surroundings, and is a likeable character. I think that through the instinctual eyes of Huckleberry, Mark Twain can examine and question society. I am looking forward to reading more of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
-posted by Jack N.
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A student in 1st period said that she thought the whole idea of "civilization" was offensive-- the concept that one group of people says to the other, "we are more advanced or more cultured than you." What is most surprising about Huck, I think, is that even though he is unconventional, he buys into society's conventional defintions. Even though he doesn't behave the way he thinks he is supposed to, he still thinks he should behave that way.
ReplyDelete"What does it mean to be 'sivilized'?"
ReplyDeleteI think the concept of being civilized or not being civilized is a debate that is never ending. In this novel, what is considered "sivilized" become rules Huck has to follow. I don't think you can define civilized because there is no test group to base on; different cultures, different people act differently but it doesn't make them uncivilized. I like this post, it inspired mine.