Mark Twain's Societal Critiques in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"

The insightful critic Kenny Williams asserts that within "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, the Colonel Sherburn scene serves as a brief platform for Twain to articulate his disdain for the prevailing mob mentality and lawlessness of the era. Williams' observation prompts an exploration of additional scenes in Twain's novel, wherein he uses characters and situations to express contempt for blind religious faith, the corrupt nature of humanity, and the lack of free thought in society.

Disdain for Blind Faith in Religion

Mark Twain, through the character of Huck, unveils his skepticism towards blind faith in religion early in the novel.

Huck's perplexity is evident when he questions the selectivity of answered prayers: “If a body can get anything they pray for, why don't Deacon Winn get back the money he lost on pork? Why can't the widow get back her silver snuffbox that was stolen? Why can't Miss Watson fatten up? No, says I to myself, there ain't nothing in it” (14).

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This instance underscores Twain's opposition to the blind faith people place in prayers, particularly when the desired outcomes are rarely realized. Twain uses Huck as a conduit to question the efficacy of prayer, shedding light on the incongruity between the devout's expectations and the unpredictable nature of divine intervention.

Furthermore, Twain satirizes the gullibility of religious adherents in a later chapter. During a visit to a church, the King fabricates a tale about reforming as a pirate, prompting the congregation to unquestioningly believe and support his purported mission: “Take up a collection for him, take up a collection!” The King, feigning tears, manipulates the crowd into contributing to his endeavor, revealing the ease with which religious fervor can be exploited (Twain 155-156).

In this satirical portrayal, Twain critiques the uncritical acceptance within religious communities, highlighting the willingness to support dubious endeavors without scrutiny. The absurdity of the situation, where pirates are welcomed as honored guests, serves as a powerful commentary on the potential pitfalls of blind faith.

Thus, Twain articulates his disdain for blind religious faith by satirizing the credulity and gullibility prevalent in religious communities, emphasizing the potential for exploitation and manipulation within such environments.

Contempt for Corrupt Human Nature

Twain's critique extends to the portrayal of corrupt human nature throughout the novel, often presented through satirical and exaggerated scenarios. An illustrative example is the King and the Duke's deception about being the deceased Peter Wilks' brothers to obtain his inheritance. Huck, witnessing their deceit, remarks, “It was enough to make a body ashamed of the human race” (191).

Here, Twain employs Huck as a voice to express his aversion to the dishonesty and deception inherent in human behavior. The reprehensible actions of a few, as represented by the King and the Duke, tarnish the reputation of the entire human race, according to Twain's critique.

Another poignant moment occurs when Jim, the runaway slave, betrays the King and Duke to the townspeople, leading to their public humiliation and punishment. Despite their dishonesty and mistreatment of others, Huck, witnessing the scene, reflects, “Human beings can be awful cruel to one another” (269).

Through Huck's perspective, Twain critiques the inherent cruelty in human interactions, emphasizing the moral complexity of treating others with cruelty, regardless of their transgressions. This serves as a powerful commentary on the ethical considerations surrounding punishment and retribution.

Twain, using these instances, vehemently voices his opposition to the corrupt nature of humanity, highlighting the consequences of dishonesty and cruelty on both an individual and societal level.

Aversion to Lack of Free Thought

Mark Twain's critique extends to the lack of free thought in society, exemplified through the highly satirical character Tom. Tom consistently formulates elaborate plans based on rigid adherence to books and doctrines, showcasing a lack of originality in thought. Tom's assertion, “Why blame it all, we’ve got to do it. Don’t I tell you it’s in the books? Do you want to go to doing different from what’s in the books, and get things all muddled up?” (12), encapsulates his blind adherence to established rules.

Despite Tom's ignorance about specific rules, he unwaveringly follows them, driven by the fear that deviating from the prescribed path would lead to chaos. Twain, through Tom, satirizes the unquestioning acceptance of established norms, revealing the stifling effect it can have on independent thought.

Additionally, Huck's act of stealing chickens based on his father's teachings further underscores Twain's objection to the lack of originality in societal thought. Despite knowing it is wrong, Huck justifies his actions with his father's simplistic moral code: “Pap always said, take a chicken when you get a chance, because if you don’t want him yourself you can easily find someone that does, and a good deed ain’t ever forgot” (77).

Here, Twain highlights the conformity ingrained in individuals, as Huck mindlessly follows the guidance provided by authority figures, suppressing independent and critical thought.

In portraying these instances, Twain effectively communicates his aversion to the lack of free thought in society, criticizing the unquestioning adherence to established norms and the absence of originality in individual thinking.

Conclusion

Mark Twain, utilizing "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," serves as a poignant social critic, leveraging satire and storytelling to voice his frustrations with the world. Through the main and secondary characters, Twain addresses the gullibility of individuals towards religion, the inherent cruelty within human nature, and the dearth of free thought in society.

While the instances presented in the novel may be exaggerated and satirical, they collectively underscore Twain's overarching message regarding the perils of mob mentality. The mindlessness observed within societal behaviors is, according to Twain, a direct result of the credulity found in religious beliefs, the malice embedded in human nature, and the habitual conformity that pervades society.

In conclusion, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" stands as not just a narrative but as a canvas through which Twain paints a vivid picture of his societal critiques, urging readers to reflect on the consequences of blind faith, corrupt behavior, and the stifling effect of conformity on individual thought.