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The Importance of Huckleberry Finn

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Throughout the years, there has been an argument about banning The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. This novel has become a main target in claims of being racist due to the language and stereotypes portraying African Americans. When Twain published his book, it was the year 1884, a time when racial slurs and stereotypes were very common. Although the views of society have drastically changed since then, I do not believe that the book should be banned in any school. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn may use the "n" word over 200 times, but it has incredible themes and life lessons. One of the most important things about The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is the strong bond between Jim and Huck. Jim, despite being black and inferior to Huckleberry, becomes a father figure and true friend to Huck. Jim makes sure that Huckleberry is fed, protected, and well throughout their whole journey down the river. Huck becomes confused and questions whether or not he should turn in Jim. While they are on the lookout for the city of Cairo, Huck decides that he will turn in Jim, appeasing the idea of living up to society's standards. "Dah you goes, de ole true Huck; de on'y white genlman dat ever kep' his promise to ole Jim" (p. 100). Jim yells out to Huck, calling him a true friend and the only man to keep a promise and that changes Huck's mind. Although Huckleberry struggles with ideas that were planted in his head from society, he decides against turning Jim in and continues doing what he feels is right. Before Huck is taken away by his father, the Widow Douglas does her best to turn him into a respectable young man. He begins to go to school, learning how to read and write, and he learns about religion. Although this makes him skeptical of the way the world works and ideas that he comes across, he continues to go to school and learn. When Pap comes back and visits Huck, he tells him to drop out of school and to stop trying to be be

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