Human Nature: Exposed

More than a century ago, Mark Twain probably composed the single-most
important piece of American Literature to ever be composed.   This work, widely
known as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, essentially follows young Huck on a
series of adventures and experiences with his close friend (and runaway slave),
Jim, as they both escape society's burdens.   The novel, in a sense, encompasses
everything good, bad and in between about and concerning the society of that
time.   A majority of the novel takes place along the Mississippi river, with
Young Huck, and Jim each striving to attain a common goal, freedom from the woes
of society.   In their journey, they come across many different people, and
encounter many strange and new experiences that all relate to a common theme
that is evident throughout the novel.   As their journey progresses, the reader
witnesses many horrific and surprising acts, all performed by none other than
man himself.   Looking deeper into the symbolistic meaning of many of these
passages reveals that man, in essence , is cruel, silly, and hypocritical in
nature.
Through his writing, it becomes apparent that Twain supports the
thematic idea of the human race being hypocritical.   For instance, take the
scene in Chapter 20 where a group of people in Arkansas are listening to the
sermon of a preacher.   In this descriptive passage, it can be inferred through
Twain's writing that the average person of this time was in fact "blinded" by
religious influences.   The significance of this event can be observed later on
in Chapter 21 where Twain describes the horrific abuse of animals. "There
couldn't anything wake them up all over, and make them happy all over, like a
dog-fight--unless it might be putting turpentine on a stray dog and setting fire
to him..." (Twain 140).   In putting the two preceding passages in perspective a
distinctive irony becomes visible.   The same type of individuals whom practice
religion in good faith turn.