... novel, Huck is also coming of age, in the same way our country too came of age. He started out down the river to change his way of life, but actually he ended up changing largely in a spiritual way. Twain's use of structural irony allows the reader to see the vulnerability of ... this 13-year-old boy, and then grow with him as he makes profound choices in his actions. At the beginning of his journey, he didn't ... for Huck, but for Americans as well. This is the first instance Huck admitted that he was willing to risk his life for Jim's freedom. Huckleberry Finn is also the great America...

• Word Count: 759
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... powerful and potent message lies behind the lighthearted and humorous storyline. Twain uses wit and humor in Huckleberry Finn to satirize and expose elements of society that he believed needed reform, namely religious hypocrisy and racial prejudice. Throughout the novel, religious ... on Sunday to their everyday lives, making them religious hypocrites. Uncle Silas is also guilty of religious hypocrisy as he "come[s] in every day or two to pray with [Jim]" (311). The wit and irony in this situation is not as apparent, and may go unnoticed. Uncle Silas buys Jim and is holding him captive ....

• Word Count: 814
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School