Huck Finn Essay, Research Paper

Appearance and reality can be two completely different things. This statement can best be understood by reading the American novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain. Huck was a rebellious teenager growing up in the south during the 19th century, who reasoned using common sense and rugged individualism.

Throughout the novel, appearance differs from reality. For example, the two feuding families, the Grangerfords and the Shepherdsons, seem to be noble by going to Church. However, they leave their guns in back of the Church and then continue fighting after Church. Likewise, the king and the duke pretend to be confident men by selling the “elixir of life.” Actually, this elixir was alcohol. Things appear to be one way in the south, but the reality is that human beings can be cruel to each other. Huck didn t want to be civilized because civilization in the south was phony. Appearance and reality was the theme of the novel. However, the overall message of the novel was that even though slavery was accepted, that doesn t mean that it was right.

This novel influenced the way I view the world and the way I view myself. Especially in the business world, things aren t always as they seem. Research must be done and products must be analyzed in order to tell if things actually are, what they seem to be. A good businessman or businesswoman will always read into things, rather than take things for their face value. People in business have a special relationship with their clients. In many instances, sacrifices must be made in order to gain or keep a client. Near the end of the novel, Tom was shot in the leg. Jim, a slave, gave up his chance for freedom in order to help nurse Tom. Jim s procuring of a doctor for Tom, illustrates his unselfishness and his basic response to humanity in contrast to the selfishness of Tom and his desire for a successful, stylistic escape. Moreover, Huck showed his humanity, when he saw the king and the duke being tarred and feathered. In spite of the dirty trick which the king and the duke played on him, Huck is responsive to their suffering. I hope that my business career will consist of a moderation between business and humanity.