Abstract
Abstract This article shows how the episodes in chapters 14 and 23 of Adventures of Huck Finn can be interpreted as Mark Twain’s commentary on America and its problems that persisted throughout the antebellum and postbellum period. Scholars have argued that chapter 32 in which moral sentiment like Huck’s decision is overturned by Tom Sawyer’s scheme implies a postwar perspective. However, this article discusses that episodes before chapter 31 suggest the problems of racial inequality and social hierarchy that remained in postbellum America. This article especially looks at how Jim and Huck’s views on “kings” in chapters 14 and 23 can be taken as their differing perspectives on American society. Whereas Jim implicitly refers to his ideals about human equality, Huck takes a sober attitude toward Jim’s progressive view. Focusing on Huck and Jim’s dialogue in chapters 14 and 23, this article delves into Huck and Jim’s transbellum views on America.
Published Version
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