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So, what is it all about?
(Intro) |
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Definition
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain.
The concept of a physical journey is expressed as an adventure through newly discovered worlds, by a young boy Huckleberry. The book has a central 'American' theme, supporting the idea that life itself is a journey full of opportunities and obstacles. This was influenced by the optimism which led to the settlement of the North American continent. The main theme incorporated with the journey is one of discovery, (including self-discovery) as the central character and narrator travels into unrecognized circumstances.
The novel is set upon the Mississippi river, but is not bound by issues present there, Twain also tackles universal concepts such as religions, hypocrisy, human condition and racism. |
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Storyline development.
(Plot) |
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Definition
The storyline of this novel is noted as relatively simple, it is linear and circumstantial. Each event occurs separate from the one before, even without connection between the two. Each 'episode' in Huck's story is there to counter his need for adventure.
Huck himself is the narrator and main presence in this Journey. Tom Sawyer is also a major role, taking the part of Huck's "alter ego, mentor, and friend."
The one disruption of the linear storyline is seen towards the end of the novel, where Huck refers to the beginning of the novel forcing the audience to 'circulate'.
The river becomes the main context of the novel, the one place where Huck feels safe. Any adventure away from the river ensures a change in tone; whether it be a humorous and expected one as when Huck joins Tom Sawyer's gang, or a realistic one, where Huck is hunting to survive.
The plot enables Huck to continue developing physically and psychologically. |
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The types of people in the novel.
(Characterization) |
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Definition
Twain's characters are carefully planned in order to put forward his ideas and concepts. One example of this is with the contrasting characters of Jim and Huck's father. Jim is a 'runaway nigger' so even though he is a genuine person, Huck would not have been expected to trust him. Huck's father however as a white adult male is expected to be a better person then Jim, this is not the case pushing Twain's outlook on negative racism.
The concept of the river being a gateway to endless adolescent adventure reflects on the traits and actions of Twain's character of Huckleberry.
The main way Twain comments on individual characters is through their dialect. The extreme differences in the use of language allows the audience to interpret age, social standing and even level of intelligence of each character.
Twain uses uniquely defined characters to describe his beliefs and themes, however each of these characters also dictates the journey Huck travels towards maturity. |
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The words describing the Journey.
(Language) |
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Definition
To accomplish high levels of analytical depth into the linguistic techniques presented in this novel, do not attempt to study the entire text, focus on a section of the novel that you can easily interpret and link to notions of the Journey.
Twain's amazing use of language is often witnessed with his scene setting, Often this is within Huck's poetic and descriptive speeches about certain areas of the river. These descriptions go way beyond setting an imaginative environment for the audience to remember, they describe the very circumstances that Huck is contained within for certain barriers present on his journey. They describe to the audience why it is that this journey matures and develops Huck on both a physical and mental level.
Twain does not just leave Huck altered and satisfied at the conclusion of the novel, although he presents a matured outlook on the prospect of adventure through Huck, he hints of a brand new journey boasting excitement and adventure for the new Huck. |
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| Got any issues/criticism/support? |
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