Huckleberry Finn's Personas

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the character of Huckleberry Finn in the seminal American novel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain. Specifically, the author looks at the predominant personas critics have attributed to Huckleberry Finn, all of which embody the theme of freedom. Throughout this well-cited paper, the author looks at Huckleberry Finn as the following: the embodiment of America's attempt to free the black slave population; the personification of idealism and morality; the freedom of the individual from society; and the freedom from responsibility. The paper also touches on interpretations that Huck is homosexual, as well as the personal voice for author Mark Twain.

From the Paper:

"The most obvious and possibly the most debated is the persona of the emancipator or freer of the slave, Jim. Huckleberry Finn, is seen by many as the embodiment of America's attempt to free the black slave population. While few argue the racial underpinnings and representations of Huck and Jim, there rages great debate as to what roll Huckleberry Finn truly plays, and how we should actually view him in this capacity. Some argue him to be a hero, while others see him as a villain. Some see him as a passive participant; others see him as an ambiguous element."

More papers on Huckleberry Finn's Personas:

• Book Review # 73897 : "Huckleberry Finn"
• Essay # 36864 : "Huckleberry Finn"
• Book Review # 73675 : "Huckleberry Finn And Local Color"

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