Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" continues to stir debate over a century after its publication, primarily due to its racial themes and language. In this episode, we delve into the book's historical context, examining its use of vernacular and portrayals of race.
The book continues to face scrutiny for its depiction of race and its frequent use of racial slurs, prompting calls for it to be removed from school curricula, so in this podcast we explore whether the book's controversial elements serve as a valuable critique of American society or if its language ultimately makes it unsuitable for educational settings.
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Special Guest:
- Thomas Ruys Smith, a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia.
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Key Takeaways from this Episode:
- Huckleberry Finn remains controversial due to its use of racial language and depictions of race.
- The book was initially banned for its use of American slang and irreverent tone.
- Controversy around Huck Finn resurfaced during the Civil Rights Movement due to its racial themes.
- The complexity of Huck Finn's racial themes continues to spark debates about its place in education.
- Different interpretations of the book highlight the ongoing challenges in addressing race in America.
- The enduring relevance of Huck Finn is evidenced by contemporary adaptations and discussions.
- Decisions about teaching Huck Finn involve weighing its educational value against potential harm.
- The book's history of controversy reflects changing societal attitudes towards race and literature.
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Additional Resources:
BOOK: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
BOOK: James by Percival Everett
WEBSITE: BANNED: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn | American Experience | Official Site | PBS
ARTICLE: Here we go again: 'Huckleberry Finn' pulled from Pennsylvania high school curriculum - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)
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