In the novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, there is an underlying debate between typical book learning and life experiences as related to ones education. The character Huckleberry Finn was put in school by the orthodox widow who took him in and believed in proper education. After only a short time and learning merely a few things (including to read and write), Huckleberry ran away, abandoning life with the widow as well as school. From that point on the young boy relied mainly on his ‘street smarts’ as he journeyed his way to freedom.
For Huckleberry, while he was escaping civilization on the raft, he relied on what he learned in past experiences as the basis of his decisions. He was able to contradict what he knew from society and do what he wanted without restriction; this is apparent in his relationship with Jim, Huckleberry was able to overcome the racist perspective he knew from Southern culture and treat his friend as an equal. Although his ability to read enhanced his voyage, for instance when he read to Jim about kings in the book they raided from the ship in chapter 14, he relied on his formal education none while developing his own personal morals and conscience. No thanks to book learning, Huckleberry created his own way of learning and reading the world around him based upon his own life experiences.
In addition, the character Tom Sawyer also was a liberal spirit and relied none on formal education. However, this character lacked the natural intelligence and common sense distinct to Huckleberry. Tom idiotically called hogs “ingots” and turnips “julery” as well as illogically developing foolish schemes and plans which would only lead to trouble. It is obvious that Huckleberry is a clearer and more rational thinker, possibly benefited by his short time of formal education which Tom never experienced.
In conclusion, the characters of this book relied mainly on education by life experiences rather than typical book learning. For a character like Huckleberry who was able to rationally make decisions and develop a sensible moral conscience without formal education, he was able to get by. Tom Sawyer however, who also relied none on formal education, didn’t have the sensibility of Huckleberry and made seriously irrational and crazy decisions. I feel that the author Mark Twain felt that at this time period it was acceptable to live based on life experiences but having a typical book education and schooling improved ones morals and judgment.
Sources Cited:
Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. New York: Bantam, 1981.
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5 comments:
Alex,
You wrote your response very well! I like how you used many details and your paper flowed very well. You made your point and it was very understandable! You analyzed the book in a neat way! Great job.
Alex -
Your response, like Autumn's, was very concise and well written. I liked how you even added Tom Sawyer - a very clever addition, as he was a large influence on Huck. You added analytical insights and it was excellent.
[: love youu.
Best paper you hae written so far... It was outstanding. I loved your choice of words. It showed how you wanted to portray formal education ,with Tom, as not helpful in real life and how learning things on your own maybe the best education. I strongly agree that life is based on what you have learned, not in school per se, but in life experiences and choice that you have made. Loved it...
Alex- your paper was very well written and very organized. You made some great points and it was very easy to read. Good Job!
You introduction paragraph was very good. I liked how you summmed up his early life. You were very precise and you wrote very well. Your conclusion sentence was also very good. It brought a lot of what you were previously talking about to a thorough conclusion. Your use of vocabulary enhanced your paper. Great job..
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