Minstrels, or minstrel shows, were a very popular form of entertainment during the eighteenth century and consisted of comedic acts by whites who negatively portrayed the African-American population as lazy, unintelligent, and superstitious with offensive theatrical makeup called blackface. While minstrel shows encouraged the promotion of music and what Americans may have considered the high points of black culture in some shows, they also displayed extreme racial discrimination and inequality. With the rise of minstrels came the growing influence that these negative caricatures had on society and culture, even literature. A literary work creates much controversy even today due to its seemingly racial and discriminatory plot; The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is controversial only because of Twain's accurate depiction of the social issues of the time, particularly race. Mark Twain himself loved minstrel shows, and because he accurately portrays his characters as products of their time, including Jim, the different caricatures of the black slave stereotype are evident in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, where Jim rejects the stereotypical portrayal of the minstrel with a black face. Blackface characters made their appearance in minstrel shows in the late 18th century as minor roles in the plot or scene. An increase in blackface performances led to the creation of the "Sambo" character, played by white actors such as George Washington Dixon, Edwin Forrest, and Charles Mathews. Music within black culture was emphasized during the shows, particularly with Thomas Dartmouth Rice's "Jump Jim Crow", which increased the popularity of minstrel shows even further. Minstrel shows have become a stro...... middle of paper ...... is influenced by Mark Twain's interest in minstrelsy, and also by the stereotypical blackface characters depicted in the increasingly popular minstrel shows minstrels who have greatly influenced American society and culture, as well as creating a very negative caricature of blacks over time. Jim neglects the stereotype of the happy-go-lucky "Sambo" by running away from his master to gain freedom, but he does not represent the "dandified raccoon" either, as he is quite intelligent, selfless, and kind-hearted throughout. of his actions. Thus, as the growing popularity of minstrel shows continued and spread its influence in American culture, Mark Twain's depiction of Jim in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn offers a rejection of blackface depictions of minstrels. Works Cited Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. New York: Bantam, 1981. Print.