Views of Stereotypes in the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Introduction

Attention grabber - This statement reveals the true nature of Twain's controversial novel by looking at the deeper messages of the book.

Thesis: Supporters of the novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn state that because Twain was a ""product of his time,"" his book reveals the harsh stereotypes of that period, something that must be looked at more closely.

II. Body: CCDW for EACH

A. First Point analyze the language that was spoken in the 19th century

Claim idea - difference between the informal and formal language that is shown in the book.

Context idea- this language was common to speck

Data example (from the article/novel) she put me in them new clothes chapter 1

Warrant idea - 1. They didn't have a education, Accient, Emphasis on words, Common to speak like this in the 1800s

B Second Point- blacks overcoming there circumstances in the southern society

Claim idea- analyze how blacks overcome the stereotypes against them in southern society

Context idea - southern society was corrupt

Data example (from the article/novel) Those of us who werent destroyed got stronger, got calluses on our souls.

Warrant idea - 1. They wouldn't let them eat in certain restaurants 2. Mothers were scared letting their kids go to school 3. But they got stronger as a whole

Third Point Twain constantly criticizes the white society

Claim idea - blacks suffered a lot during this era

Context idea - whites would try and take advantage of blacks

Data example (from the article/novel) Last time I was down South I walked into this restaurant, and this white waitress came up to me and said: We dont serve colored people here. I said: Thats all right, I dont eat colored people. (article)

Warrant idea- 1. Defend themselves with humor, 2. Stand up for themselves 3. Whites were rude and would treat blacks less 4. Students need to analyze the importance of this

D. Fourth Point Jim is constantly shown as a positive role model

Claim idea: racial words used.

Context idea - using the word niger to talk to a black person

Data example (from the article/novel) it had a picture of a runaway nigger with a bundle on a stick (pg 133)

Warrant idea - there language, how they talked to each other, fits with the setting of the book

E. Opposing viewpoints African Americans think it is racist

Claim idea - this shouldn't be a reason for banning the book

Context idea - cant ignore how slaves were being treated

Data example (from the article/novel)- black speakers and oral traditions

played an absolutely central role in the genesis of Huckleberry Finn. Twain

couldnt have written the book without them. (article)

Warrant idea- tradition, history, ignoring this will not help students understand culture

III. Conclusion

Ignoring the intense prejudice against blacks in the 19th century will not help students achieve the ability to tolerate unpleasant facts that are uncomfortable.

A. Restate thesis- Supporters of the novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn state that because Twain was a ""product of his time,"" his book reveals the harsh stereotypes of that period, something that must be looked at more closely.

B. Restate main idea -analyze the language that was spoken in the 19th century, analyzing blacks overcoming there circumstances in the southern society, Jim is constantly shown as a positive role model, Opposing viewpoints African American school teacher states

C. Final Call to Action- ignoring this big part of history is impossible because it happened and you can not ignore your past you have to accept it

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