The Use of Satire in the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

The Use of Satire In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

The persecution, and oppression of a people has transpired since the existence of man, and has always been entwined in the world’s history. The United States of America is no exception. One of the most renowned oppression in the U.S. occurred since its birth up until 1865, when the Civil War ended:slavery. During these times, many people had to choose a side, whether to help the slaves become free or help the continuation of the oppression. Many struggled in the middle, just like the main character in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by MArk Twain. Huck is exposed to a world of slavery where he is forced to choose between what religion and society tells him is right, and what he believes is right. Twain uses satire to convey the hypocritical views of religious slave owners, as well as criticizing the Civil War.

During the time period in which The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was written, religion was as much a part of civilization as slavery was. Religion is one of the key victims of Twain's satire throughout the novel. In the beginning of the novel at the Widow's house Huck remarks, "By-and-by they fetched the niggers in and had prayers, and then everybody was off to bed"(Twain 3). This suggests that they believe the “niggers” to have souls; despite this fact, they treat them like lesser people. This is significant because Catholics believe everybody to be equal in God's eyes, while everyone is treating the blacks like they are not as important as the whites. By using this sentence in the novel, Twain is criticizing the somewhat pick-and-choose way of religion. The fact that while one professes his love to the almighty god and His divine laws, he choses which divine laws to follow or not to follow. He tries to rationalize the use of another person as a slave, by saying they are sub human, yet they are trying to save their souls. All to absolve one's guilt of his/her fluctuating morals. Religion, and catholicism did not just control one's relationship, it also controlled the perception of morality.

The morality of a person depends not only on religion, but also on what they were taught from the adult figures in his/her life. Twain used satire to critique religion was when the “gang” of boys were deciding which day they should meet up to rob and kill people, “...he wanted to begin next Sunday; but all the boys said it would be wicked to do it on a Sunday” (Twain 9). This implies that the gang of boys are religious to an extent and believe that it would be immoral to murder and rob on a Sunday, but any other day would be acceptable. A final satirical episode that conveyed the hypocritical views of religion was when Huck had an internal struggle between turning Jim in, or helping him escape. After writing the letter to Miss Watson informing her of her runaway slave’s whereabouts, Huck “...felt good and all washed clean of sin for the first time” (Twain 192). This insinuates that Huck believes helping a slave (who is seen by God as equal) run away is a sin. However, after reminiscing about all the things Jim has done for him and their relationship, he decided against turning him in, and he said, “‘All right, then, I’ll go to hell’” (Twain 192). This shows that because Huck is planning on helping a fugitive slave make his way to freedom, that he is somehow going against what is taught at Sunday School that anyone acting like he has “‘...been acting about that nigger goes to everlasting fire’” (Twain 191). Twain uses this quote to highlight the conflicting beliefs of what people were taught in church, and what they feel is morally acceptable. This demonstrates another instance where man manipulates others using the Bible and religion as the reason for the wants and “needs” they have. Twain uses these quotes to highlight that while men Religion was very important to the citizens of the United States during the period around the Civil War; however, so was slavery. It was the one thing people believed was worth fighting for.

Mark Twain also satirizes quarrels by using the Shepherdsons and the Grangerfords. The Shepherdsons