Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Context & Literary Elements

“All American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn…it’s the best book we’ve had.” –Earnest Hemingway

The Author Huck Finn is considered Mark Twain’s (Samuel Clemens) masterpiece Born 1835, died 1910 Grew up in Hannibal, Missouri Took eight years to compose (1876-1884) Was a vocal opponent of racism and imperialism he first is that the name came from Twain's time on the riverboats, when the depth of "safe water" – two fathoms – was measured on a sounding line and indicated by calling "mark twain". The second explanation is that the name originated from his time in Nevada, when he would buy two drinks and ask the bartender to "mark twain" on his tab.

Historical Context Written 20 years after the Civil War Story recounts pre-Civil War days when the controversy of slavery and free/slave states disfigured the face of America as a “land of the free” Other 19th century reforms: Abolition, women’s Suffrage, utopian societies, prison and asylum reform, educational, political

Literary Elements: Vernacular & Dialect H.F. is among the first pieces of American literature written in vernacular Vernacular: Informal, everyday speech that is a variety of a language spoken by a particular group (sometimes cultural) Dialect: variation of language spoken by a particular group; may differ in vocabulary, pronunciation, common expressions, spelling, speed and/or grammar NOTE: Accent is often confused with dialect, but accent only refers to pronunciation It’s important to distinguish between Huck’s voice and Twain’s use of that voice

Literary Elements: Picaresque Fiction Usually a first-person narrative Relating to the adventures of a rogue or low-born adventurer (picaro) as he drifts from place to place from one social setting to another in his effort to survive

Review of Satire Definition: Uses ridicule of wit to attack human faults, vices, shortcomings, and follies with the intent of bringing about improvement Usually meant to be humorous, but is also an attack on something of which the author/speaker strongly disapproves

Specific Satirical Strategies to look for in Huck Finn: Caricature Parody Hyperbole Also, note Twain’s use of understatements

Literary History: Romanticism to Realism Romanticism: A reaction against the scientific rationalization of nature. The movement validated strong emotion as an authentic source of aesthetic experience Renaissance, the focus on learning for learning's sake Baroque actually expressed new values, which often are summarized in the use of metaphor and allegory, widely found in Baroque literature, and in the research for the "maraviglia" (wonder, astonishment – as in Marinism), the use of artifices An Age of Enlightenment (or simply the Enlightenment or Age of Reason) was a cultural movement of intellectuals in 18th century Europe, in order to reform society and advance knowledge. It promoted science and intellectual interchange and opposed superstition,[1] intolerance and abuses in church and state.

Literary History: Romanticism to Realism Realism: emphasis on themes, characters, and settings from a particular geographical region; often portrays a distinct region as having a homogeneous population Realist authors opted for depictions of everyday and banal activities and experiences, instead of a romanticized or similarly stylized presentation

Literary History contd. Regionalism: (aka “local color”) refers to fiction or poetry that focuses on specific features – including characters, dialects, customs, history, and landscape – of a particular region.

In Huck Finn: According to the Oxford Companion to American Literature, there exists “the dual influence of romanticism and realism…from ordinary life to distant lands, strange customs, or exotic scenes, but retains through minute detail, a sense of fidelity and accuracy of description” (439).

Themes Freedom & Enslavement Social Responsibility: Conformity & Civilization Coming of Age & Search for Identity Friendship & Betrayal Christian religion vs. Superstition Individual vs. Society Man and the natural world Family

Controversy Highly criticized since its publication Often misread as a satirical text Censorship: still being banned!