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   mrs-campbell Teacher
   High School - 11th Grade

   The author, Mark Twain, explained in a note at the beginning of the book that "persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished."  So the author himself wanted to discourage anyone from thinking the book had an overall theme, plot, or moral.  Nonetheless, that "warning" fits right along with the overall feeling of the book itself.  It is a highly humorous, satirical, entertaining story of a boy having adventures on the Mississippi river.  And throughout the book we see the recurring themes of conscience as Huck struggles with what is right and wrong, and which one he should choose in various situations that are presented to him.  We also see the issue of slavery and racism brought up as he travels with Jim, a runaway slave in a time when slavery still existed.  We also see the issue of freedom as Huck struggles the battle of being "civilized" and restrained, or free and easy on his raft on the river.

   I provided links below to a more thorough discussion of theme, and also a list of any characters that you might want to find out more about.  I hope this helps!

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/finn/characters

   http://www.enotes.com/finn/themes

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   Posted by mrs-campbell on Tuesday February 10, 2009 at 8:02 AM