Do you believe Mark Twain's style of writing belittles the common black male?

Critiquing the writing styles of Mark Twain

I have found that most individuals reading this novel like to focus on the use of the particular language used throughout the book such as "Nigger" and other derogatory, descriptive language. However, I would like to dig deeper and focus on how this language was used in context. In chapter eight, we suddenly realize the different levels of education, comparing Huck's language to Jim's. Some people have criticized the book for making the common black male look uneducated and ignorant and in fact, at this time in history black males were much less likely than white males to have any formal education.

I believe that there was no intent by Mark Twain, but simply a part of history that should not be looked over. In the beginning of the novel it also uses "less than proper" language when old Finn is talking. For example on page 21 old Finn says, "Don't you give me none o' your lip. You've put on considerable many frills since i benn away. I'll take you down a peg before I get done with you."(Ch.5, pg.21) This quote by old Finn, as of many others, shows that Mark was using this type of language to emphasize the level or lack of education in that particular time period, not necessarily to exclude one race from another.    

Attention! The King and Duke are home!

Attention!

Last night the town was packed with screaming and sobbing women chanting, "The King and Duke are home, The King and Duke are home." As the two men arrived, every minute somebody would say, over a fence, "Is it them?", and the gang trotting along would reply "You bet it is."(ch.25 pg.166) Reports say that as soon as the men arrived home, they ran over to the coffin which held their brother, knelt down beside it and began to pray.

After grieving for the loss of his brother, the King came forward toward the town and thanked them out of the goodness of his and his brother's heart, for the love and compassion that they had received during this trying time. Other resources speculated after talking with Rev. Hobson and Dr. Robinson, that Mary Jane had received a letter that her father had left behind that contained the family's inheritance. The letter goes as follows; "the dwelling-house and three thousand dollars in gold, go to the girls. Three thousand dollars in gold goes to Harvey and William, and it also told where the six thousand dollars in cash was hidden."(Ch.25 pg.168) After reading the letter, the King and Duke insisted on counting the money and they soon realized that they were four hundred and fifteen dollars short, but the boys did not mind and said they could do without it.

The King and Duke sitting by Huck finn and Jim

Warning! There are two possible suspects on the loose that could be associated with Huck Finn's murder.

Warning!

There are two men on the loose, that could be associated with Huck Finn's murder! One so happens to be a negro man that goes by the name of Jim. Jim was last seen escaping Miss Watson's plantation the same night Huck disappeared. The second suspect is Huck Finn's own father, Pap, who has been in trouble with the law ever since Huck was born.  A few local resources described Pap as a malefactor with a very pale face and white facial hair.



  Anyone with any information, please come down to the local courthouse! If you so happen to catch one of these suspects, the following rewards apply: for the ol'negro you will be rewarded three hundred dollars and the reward for old Finn is two hundred dollars. Again please inform the local courthouse with any suspicious information.

Breaking News: One male is dead after a fatal shooting in town.

BREAKING NEWS!

Reports speculate there was a shooting last night near the biggest store in town. One bystander said "when Boggs rode by on his horse he was scared, but he don't mean nothing; he's always a carryin' on like that, when he's drunk. He's the best-naturedest old fool in Arkansaw-never hurt nobody, drunk nor sober."(ch.21 pg.144) Other resources speculate that Boggs and Sherburn had been in an altercation for quit some time now, and that it was just a matter of time before things turned south.



Bogg's DaughterBoggs allegedly called Sherburn everything he could think of, causing such a commotion that soon the whole street was packed with people listening, laughing, and carrying on. Sherburn finally had enough and came out of the crowd and said to Boggs, "I'm tired of this; but I'll endure it till one o'clock. Till one o'clock, mind -no longer. If you open your mouth against me only once, after that time, you can't travel so far but I will find you."(ch.21 pg. 145) After this Sherburn allegedly shot Boggs twice, killing him instantly. We reported to Boggs's daughter's home to find out some more information about this story, but she acted nonchalant and had no comment. Bogg's family's wish is to give the family time to grieve and find peace in all this commotion.