Essay on Huckleberry Finn Hypocrisy in “Civilized” Society

Lambert Kelsey Mrs. Gunn A.P. English Literature 6 18 December 2012 Huckleberry Finn: Hypocrisy in â€Å"Civilized† Society The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a sequel to the Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain illustrates the Southern states and slavery. Published in 1884, the novel focuses on the important issues that affected America. These issues included racism, slavery, civilization and greed. The book has become one of the most controversial books ever written. The controversy has grown to the point that the novel became banned in several states due to its racial and slavery context. Various symbols, quotes and events have been used in the novel to show hypocrisy in the civilized society in the novel. Hypocrisy in†¦show more content†¦The reason that led to the dispute between the two families resulted from the elopement of Sophia Grangerford, Buck Grangerford’s sister and Harney Shepardson. However, the families have always been in a dispute that has lasted for 30 years for reasons that are unsure. The two families after learning of the elopement bring weapons to church. However, both families, using their guns, kill their family members at the growth of the feud. Regardless of the families’ civilized status, hypocrisy is shown where both families kill each other over a meaningless feud. Another example that indicates hypocrisy in the civilized society in the novel is the biased punishment of crimes according to the society’s rules and regulations. This is shown by the non-judgment of the Duke and the King regardless of the fraudulent schemes that both con artists involved in the community. Huck and Jim rescue the Duke and the King and offer them their raft. The first scheme begins when both criminals present fake identities to Huck and Jim. The Duke introduces himself as the English Duke’s son, also known as the Duke of Bridgewater whereas the King presents himself as the Lost Dauphin as well as Louis XVI’s son and France’s designated King (Twain, 144-145) . Additionally, one of the con artists, the Duke, takes advantage of Jim’s race and position as a runway slave and prints leaflets that offer $200 reward to any person that manages to catch the runaway slave. The Duke isShow MoreRelatedA Doll s House And Mark Huckleberry Finn1310 Words   |  6 Pages In the relatively short time of human existence, society has sanctioned written regulations to shape and form the way in which individuals, as well as the masses, function on a daily bases. What began as the written forms of quotidian lives – democracies, freedom rights, religion, news and stories, among others – has been passed on through generations and has quickly found its way into the very essence of humanity. 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