1976. The conflict created when the will of an individual opposes the will of the majority is the recurring theme of many novels, plays, and essays. Select the work of an essayist who is in opposition to his or her society; or from a work of recognized literary merit, select a fictional character who is in opposition to his or her society. In a critical essay, analyze the conflict and discuss the moral and ethical implications for both the individual and the society. Do not summarize the plot or action of the work you choose.
In the novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain centers around a child's perception of society. Living in Mississippi in the 1880's, Huck was often confused of his placement in society. He was told how to act towards social classes, but he couldn't understand why individuals were treated differently. Huck completely goes against all standards as he sets sails from society with Jim. Huck's ignorance of the social problems during the time period give an unbiased approach to slavery and treatment of African Americans.
Mark Twain conveys racist issues through the adults. The actions and discussions of the adults show one's view of society during this time period. This method is effective for Twain because he easily displays how one opinion is heavily influenced by the mass of numbers. I think that Twain uses adults to convey his important themes because it would be meaningful to the children. The conflict of racism could not be fairly debated between the adults in Twain's novel. This is because if one person opposed, then the majority will still over rule. The one who stood up is unseen due to the popular vote. These adults have no respectable morals on this subject and this is shown by the conformity of them. I don't think this is a good message for Huck to receive. It may make him carry the thought that his idea is irrelevant. Kids look up to adults, and this isn't the attitude adults should want to give off to children.
As Huck dares to be different, Twain expresses the hope in the future society to follow what they believe. The journey on the Mississippi River is a way to measure the progress between Huck and Jim. The two face multiple obstacles in which they must work together in different social interactions. I think Twain successfully shows the impressive progress that can be achieved when people with the same ideas work together. Although Jim and Huck had many differences, their techniques allowed them to succeed. The raft shows the moral growth between the characters as they ignore the social standards. The boys work through their struggles with what they think is right, not by what society says. I think this accomplishment can be compared with the accomplishments within modern day society.
I think you have chosen a really good work for this prompt! I think you have done a good job on balancing details and providing background information. Sometimes when people give background information, they give too many details which throws off the flow of the piece. I think you could use some more specific examples from the book that refers so racism so it would make your writing stronger! But overall, you did a great job!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Aishwarya that you more specific examples would strengthen your argument. A detail that I think is important to add to you background information is that Jim is African American. For someone who has never read the story (like me) that's a detail that should be provided in case someone doesn't make that important of a connection. I think you had a great thesis and supported it well, especially in the third paragraph. Overall it was organized well and I enjoyed reading it!
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