Children's Literature

Paper Summary:

This paper relates that "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain both focus on values, the difference between right and wrong, friendship and family. The author points out that Harper Lee and Mark Twain both face the issue of racism and prejudice in a straightforward manner through the eyes of children, which allows them to communicate their messages effectively with humor. The paper emphasizes that friendship is stressed in both novels: In "To Kill a Mockingbird", the importance of friendship and acceptance is underscored through the relationships of children and, in "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn", the importance of friendship is highlighted through Huck's relationship with Jim.

From the Paper:

"In "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn", Huck also learns the value of life. His lesson comes from his interaction with Jim as they spend time away from the influence of society. While Scout and Jem had Atticus to steer them in the right direction, Huck has only his conscious to guide him and in most circumstances, it serves him well. While he is on the raft with Jim, he learns about life and himself as well. One of the most important things he learns is the fact that society what society claims to be right and correct about people and their value can be wrong. Huck realizes this when he write the letter to Miss Watson but cannot send it because he "couldn't seem to strike no places to harden me against" Jim. In fact, Huck decides that if he must, he will go to hell for tearing up the letter."

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• Research Proposal # 103857 : "The Effects on Children of Domestic Violence"
• Analytical Essay # 87407 : "Prejudice in Children's Literature"

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