"All modern American literature comes from one book 
by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn"

-- Ernest Hemingway

Jim Zwick's Version 
Boondocks.net

Project Gutenberg:

Have you been grumbling about reading the classics in English 11? If so, read on. There are many reasons why we read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. One reason is that it opened up new style possibilities to writers. Ernest Hemingway, himself a great American writer, states this in the quote above. The book is realistic. Its dialogue spells words incorrectly so they sound like those spoken by people in the Mississippi region in the mid-1800's, including the language of black slaves. For example, in one chapter Jim says, "Say, who is you? Whar is you? Dog my cats ef I didn' hear sumf'n. Well, I know what I's gwyne to do: I's gwyne to set down here and listen tell I hears it agin." The dialogue is often grammatically incorrect; but again, it is realistic. The book also offers many wonderful examples of irony. For instance, the feuding Shepardson's and Grangerfords go to church carrying guns. 

Another reason we read the book is because of its connection to the issue of slavery. Some students argue that slavery is over so we should forget about it, but being aware of how slaves were treated years ago, helps us be sensitive to the struggles blacks have had to endure throughout American history. Hopefully this awareness will allow us to be supportive and tolerant of all races. 

Finally, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has value for you today as you face moral issues in your life. The book addresses the issue of virtue. Virtues are linked to what we define as right or wrong, but sometimes one person's code of ethics can be completely different from another person's. Huck struggles with the issue of helping Jim gain his freedom. Time spent with Jim on the river has taught Huck that Jim is more than a slave--Jim's a man. Huck knows intrinsically that slavery is wrong, yet the law says it is right. Furthermore, helping Jim gain freedom will not help Miss Watson, Jim's owner. Like Jim, Miss Watson has been kind to Huck. To whom does Huck owe allegiance? 

As you move into your adult life, you will be faced with many moments when you must decide what is right and wrong. If a boss asks you to do something unethical will you do it? Being loyal to your employer is a worthy quality. Keeping company information secret is wise and commendable. Is it commendable if you are asked to do something wrong? 

So as you can see, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has many redeeming qualities that make it a worthwhile read for students of all ages. Pick it up and start reading with an open mind. When you finish, you'll probably be pleased that you invested time on reading this memorable American classic.

Additional Sources of Critiques on the Novel: 

http://imc.mbhs.edu/english/huck/overview.htm

Huck and Jim begin their journey in the fictitious town of St. Petersburg, Missouri on the Mississippi River. The town of Cairo, shown above by the pink circle, is a critical location on the river. This is where the Ohio River joins the Mississippi. If Jim travels down the Ohio River he will be far from the slave states. If he drifts past the Ohio, Jim will be moving deeper into slave country.

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