American authors tend to write about life in their own time. Mark Twain lived in the 1800s and witnessed the Civil War era. At the time, our nation was divided over the issue of slavery. The inhumane treatment of slaves prompted Twain to use his talents to criticize their treatment. In one of his most famous novels entitled The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Twain describes the injustice of slavery in the South shortly before the Civil War. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay For starters, Mark Twain uses the plot of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to reveal truths about life in the South during the 1800s. For starters, slavery proved to be one of the predominant aspects of Southern life at that time. Mark Twain's birth occurred during this era of slavery, so racism surrounded Twain throughout his life. Twain based his writings on his personal experiences. Critics agree that “The book is a strong voice against racism, but at the same time some passages reflect the values ​​of the racist society in which Mark grew up” (Meltzer 89). Secondly, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn portrays the frightening truths regarding slavery that pervaded the South. Twain uses his work as a means to reveal the reality of racism. “Absolutely 'nice' people do not consider the death of a black person noteworthy,” say literary analysts (Salwen). Additionally, Mark Twain illustrates life in the South through the actions of the main character Huckleberry Finn. Huck, as he is known for short, never perceived slavery as anything other than a natural part of life. “Because of his upbringing, the boy begins to believe that slavery is part of the natural order,” exclaims Salwen to clarify Huck's ignorance (1). Furthermore, most of the remaining Southerners held the same views on slavery as Huck. “The satire of a decadent slave society gains immense strength when Mark Twain shows that even the outcast Huck was partly perverted by it,” Smith comments on the unsuspecting opinions of Southerners (6:480). Finally, Twain's realistic masterpiece satirizes slavery and man's search for freedom. Since many African Americans had been imprisoned as slaves, it seems natural that from time to time some would escape to seek freedom. An obvious quest for freedom in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn would be that of Jim, an escaped slave. Huck meets Jim and the two become great friends. Salwen explains, “It is about a slave who breaks the law and risks his life to gain freedom and reunite with his family” (1). Huck contributes a lot of help to Jim's mission for freedom and thus learns many truths about society. Meltzer explains, “Huck helps Jim escape slavery, and in one famous scene Huck's spontaneous self is placed in opposition to his acquired conscience, the prejudices, and values ​​of the society in which he grew up” (89). seeking freedom, Huck hopes for his own independence. By escaping and traveling down the Mississippi River, Huck aspires to gain freedom for both of them. Unger illustrates, "The next twenty chapters detail adventures on or down the river, in a retreat-and-return pattern, as Huck and Jim float their raft toward what they hope will be freedom for both" (203) . Huck wishes to prove his independence through his infamous journey down the Mississippi River. "Huckleberry Finn speaks out against stupid conformity and for the freedom and independence of the individual",, 1974.