Satire can be defined as the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose or criticize vice and hypocrisy among groups or individuals. There are numerous examples of satire in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, especially during Jim and Huck's epic journey down the Mississippi.
First, we have religion. Jim cannot understand why King Solomon was regarded as such a wise man. After all, what's the use of half a child? Jim's reasoning shows us the dangers of placing too much faith in a rigid, legalistic approach to religion, one all-too common, both then and now. Twain appears to be suggesting here that experience, whether it relates to religion or anything else, is more important than received knowledge.
Which leads us onto education. Formal education, as illustrated in the story, is rather rigid and narrow, based upon an unimaginative system of rote learning. This method applies equally to interpreting Scripture. Huck has had little in the way of formal education, but what knowledge he appears to have is largely second-hand. This accounts for why he's unable to defend his point on the wisdom of Solomon; as he's simply repeating what he's heard he hasn't really thought about it, and he hasn't really thought about it, he's incapable of justifying his argument. So much for the formal education of the time.
In both these examples, we can see in the figure of Jim the importance of experience in defining who and what we are as opposed to race and class. Jim is regarded as inferior by society simply on account of the color of his skin. However, his many and varied experiences have given him a greater degree of insight into matters of importance than many educated or so-called respectable members of white society. Arguably, this is the most important satirical point to be derived from Jim and Huck's numerous adventures.
Friday, March 29, 2019
What are some examples of satire Twain uses during Huck and Jim's journey together?
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