Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
What can I say about Mark Twain's classic novel? PhDs have written volumes on it, students have had it for assigned reading, libraries always have copies. It is the kind of book every English teacher has on a shelf in the classroom. Every at home library seemingly has a copy, and Amazon has made it a free download on the Kindle. Huck Finn is so ubiquitous it is almost easy to skip. Most teachers or professors assume the book has already been read, and most students do not mind missing out on it as an assignment.
Twain's novel echos though literature today. It is hard pressed to find a boy character that does not owe a debt to Huck in. Whether it be a love of adventure, or the ability to get into and out of a sticky situation nearly unscathed, Huck created that mold. I found myself involved in a discussion about Huck, and it was gently pointed out that Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn laid the groundwork for great American novels like On The Road and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Twain gave the go head for American males to question their place in society. He gave them the ability to question the values and traditions of their fathers. Tom and Huck's adventures may seem rather blithe and common today, but they were revolutionary at the time.
As I walk away from this book, I have decided to add more Twain to my reading list. Next year I want to get though more of his essays and short stories. His writing style and voice is so unique and distinct that I want to read more.
My next book is Tinkers. Can not wait to start it.
What can I say about Mark Twain's classic novel? PhDs have written volumes on it, students have had it for assigned reading, libraries always have copies. It is the kind of book every English teacher has on a shelf in the classroom. Every at home library seemingly has a copy, and Amazon has made it a free download on the Kindle. Huck Finn is so ubiquitous it is almost easy to skip. Most teachers or professors assume the book has already been read, and most students do not mind missing out on it as an assignment.
Twain's novel echos though literature today. It is hard pressed to find a boy character that does not owe a debt to Huck in. Whether it be a love of adventure, or the ability to get into and out of a sticky situation nearly unscathed, Huck created that mold. I found myself involved in a discussion about Huck, and it was gently pointed out that Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn laid the groundwork for great American novels like On The Road and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Twain gave the go head for American males to question their place in society. He gave them the ability to question the values and traditions of their fathers. Tom and Huck's adventures may seem rather blithe and common today, but they were revolutionary at the time.
As I walk away from this book, I have decided to add more Twain to my reading list. Next year I want to get though more of his essays and short stories. His writing style and voice is so unique and distinct that I want to read more.
My next book is Tinkers. Can not wait to start it.
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This post makes me want to revisit Twain. I read Life on the Mississippi in college and loathed it in ways I have never loathed a book. Perhaps it's time Mark and I kissed and made up.
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