The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn explores the theme of racism through its depiction of slavery and racial attitudes in the pre-Civil War South. The novel highlights the entrenched racism of the period, showcasing the moral dilemmas Huck faces as he befriends Jim, an escaped slave. Twain's use of dialect and portrayal of social norms serve as a critique of the racist ideologies of his time.

Jim, a central character, is a slave seeking freedom, and his journey with Huck Finn highlights the racial injustices of the era. Huck, despite societal norms, helps Jim, questioning the morality of slavery. This struggle between legality and morality is evident as Huck often follows his own conscience over societal laws. Twain uses Huck's internal conflict to critique the hypocrisy of a society that allows slavery.

And for a starter I would go to work and steal Jim out of slavery again; and if I could think up anything worse, I would do that, too; because as long as I was in, and in for good, I might as well go the whole hog.

Huck's evolving relationship with Jim reflects a growing recognition of Jim's humanity. Huck acknowledges Jim's love for his family, challenging the racist belief that African Americans were less capable of such emotions.

"I do believe he cared just as much for his people as white folks does for their'n. It don't seem natural, but I reckon it's so."

Twain employs satire to expose the absurdity of racist attitudes. Pap Finn's rant against a free African American voting highlights the irrationality and hypocrisy of racism.

Oh, yes, this is a wonderful govment, wonderful. Why, looky here. There was a free nigger there from Ohio—a mulatter, most as white as a white man... And what do you think? They said he was a p’fessor in a college, and could talk all kinds of languages, and knowed everything. And that ain’t the wust. They said he could vote when he was at home...Thinks I, what is the country a-coming to?

Through Huck's journey and his relationship with Jim, Twain critiques the societal norms of his time, highlighting the moral contradictions and the potential for individual growth. The novel underscores the possibility of overcoming entrenched racism through personal conscience and empathy.