rature, so too does one of Americas greatest authors: Mark Twain. His Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, thought to be too racy for its own period, has always been received with mixed acceptance even in contemporary times. Capturing the American soul at its utmost depths, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn touches upon a number of unprecedented issues because of the shock value such a book portrays, it has been both embraced and banned for its content. However, it is this very content that has made it one of the most essential aspects of American Literature, as Twain was not afraid to depict America without rose-colored glasses. It has been called offensive, unpatriotic, racist and a whole host of other uncomplimentary terms; however, it has been and continues to be instrumental in describing the sometimes unsavory truth, As the author so eloquently stated to America: This is how you are, like it or not (Smith). As difficult as it has been for Americans to accept the fact that Twains account mirrors a harsh reality, the implications of such social atrocities as racism are painfully clear both in written representation as will as in real life. In fact, it can be argued that Adventures of Huckleberry Finn not only symbolizes what it means to be part of the American literary framework, but it also exemplifies the manner in which art truly imitates life.As essential as Twain was in establishing the very basis of American literature, he was also instrumental in addressing issues which were and are still considered to be beyond the realm of acceptance. Although Adventures of Huckleberry Finn makes free use of the word nigger, it is not utilized in the same context it is today; by comparison, the author meant it only as a description, as opposed to contemporary usage that focuses solely upon the words disgracing aspect.Inasmuch as Mark Twain weaved his literary magic in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to depict American truisms, Carl Sandbu...
