Huckleberry Finn – Controversial
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It seems like a never-ending question. When will we ever let it rest? You know the question Im talking about; should the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn be banned from American Literature courses? Its been argued from so many different standpoints, but it has never been settled. Is Huckleberry Finn really a controversial book?
No, I do not agree with the banning of Huckleberry Finn. This book is considered to be a classic. It explores the depths of our past in many different ways. Those who think the book to be controversial probably have never ever read it before. Most likely, theyre basing their judgments on the excessively used word, “nigger.” For those who have read the book and still feel necessary to ban it are obviously missing the key points of this American classic. If you understand Huckleberry Finn, then youll realize its not about slavery or racism. Its about being unprejudiced. In the book, Huck admits that Jim “had an uncommon level head for a nigger.” If you were to take out the black and white scenario, you would see that this quote is clearly nothing but acceptance. Huck is accepting Jim, regardless of his ethnic background. If you looked deeper, you would also see, the book is about nothing less than freedom and the quest for freedom. Its about a slave who breaks the law and risks his life to win his freedom and be reunited with his family. He was lucky enough to have a friend who made him his best friend and helped him to escape. Truly this isnt controversial; its real life.
Another controversial aspect of the book would be the use of the word “nigger” and its being in the book over 200 times creates constant scrutiny. I feel the word was not used to be racist and its usage in the book gives great representation of the way life was during the pre-civil war era. People need to grasp the concept that thats how black were treated then. In todays society, we would find quotes such as, “Good gracious! Was anybody hurt?” “Nom. Just a nigger,” APPALING! But in fact, it was written in an earlier time setting when quotes like that were okay to say. I find it wrong