Theme in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by
Mark Twain D1B1
Theme is a main idea communicated by a work of
literature – often merely an insight into human nature
or life (not necessarily a moral). A Theme needs to be
expressed in a complete sentence.
Topic
Theme (what does this novel say
about this topic?) – also, evidence
Slavery/equality Slavery is wrong; all humans are
equal. (slave owners are not
admirable characters; Jim is a very
human, sympathetic character;
Huck admires, respects Jim and
works for his freedom)
Romanticism
Romanticism is unrealistic and
impractical in real life. (Tom
Sawyer’s crazy ideas that aren’t
very useful or helpful to Jim)
Religion
Going to church doesn’t make
someone a good person.
(Grangerfords & Shepherdsons)
Organized religion isn’t for
everyone. (Huck concludes that
prayer only works for some
people)
Education
Practical learning (common sense)
Society
Freedom
Nature
Superstition
can be more useful than book
learning. (Huck vs. Tom)
“Civilized” society is often not
very civilized (could be childish,
cruel, animalistic, careless). (G&S;
shooting of Boggs; slavery)
Freedom can mean being free from
society’s unfair rules. (Huck & Jim
on river, taking only what they
need, treating each other kindly)
Being in nature and away from
society is a way of being free.
(Huck & Jim on the river)
One must follow one’s own
conscience, even when it is
difficult. (Jim’s freedom; Huck’s
internal conflict)
Superstition gives people with
little control over their lives a
feeling of control/understanding of
the forces that affect them. (Jim,
Huck, Pap)
Superstition can also be used to
control someone. (Huck tells Nat
there are no dogs)`