Racism in the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Racism in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Was racism in literature often a dominant issue in the 19th century? The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, is proof of this because it is a racist novel. The two ways in which this novel is racist is by the racial slurs made by the main character, and by the crude treatment of a runaway slave.

The first way in which we see that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a racist novel is by the racial slurs made by the main character, Huck Finn. For instance, Huck says, "But they'll get the nigger pretty soon now, and maybe they can scare it out of him." (57). Another way this can be seen is when Huck says, "Yes, I reckon so. I don't see nothing in the way of it. Has everybody quit thinking the nigger done it?" (57). Huck Finn shows his negative perspective on blacks by using crude language when he addresses his "friend", Jim in such a derogatory manner.

The second way in which we see that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a racist novel is by the crude treatment of a runaway slave, Jim. For example, Huck asks Mary Jane Wilks, "How is servants treated in England? Do they treat 'em better n' we treat our niggers?" Mary Jane answers, saying, "No! A servant ain't nobody there. They treat them worse than dogs!" (173). From this quote, it's obvious that black people in that time had no respect, and were treated as property.

In conclusion, racism is seen in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by the racial slurs made by Huck, and by the crude treatment of Jim, the runaway slave. So yes, this story is proof that racism was a dominant issue in the 19th century.