Question

Many literary critics have identified Huck Finn as an unreliable narrator. An unreliable narrator is one who does not understand the full significance of the characters and events that he or she is describing and commenting on. Huck is not intentionally unreliable. His narration is unreliable because Huck is a teenager who lacks formal education and experience. In fact, much of the humor in the first chapters comes from Huck's incomplete understanding of the adults around him and their "sivilized" ways. Reread the first paragraph. Cite examples from the text that you find humorous, and explain how that text begins to establish Huck as an unreliable narrator.

Answer 1

In Mark Twain's novel, Huck Finn's status as an unreliable narrator is established through his misinterpretations of adult behavior and societal customs, underlined by his lack of education and experience. This unreliability adds humor and depth to the book and allows Twain to subtly criticize societal norms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mark Twain's character Huck Finn, from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, is often considered an unreliable narrator due to his youth, lack of formal education, and naïveté. This aspect of his character adds humor and depth to the narrative. Through Huck's perspective, Twain showcases his use of regional humor and satire, poking fun at societal norms and expectations.

Huck's unreliability as a narrator can be seen in how he misinterprets adult behavior and societal customs. For example, early in the book, Huck's father criticizes him for trying to get an education, stating, "You're raised too high. I can't make a living and help support a fine gentleman like yourself." Huck takes this literally, failing to grasp his father's bitter sarcasm and underlying resentment, which serves to highlight Huck's innocence and the dysfunctional familial relationships.

Additionally, Huck's descriptions and reactions to the 'sivilized' ways frequently showcase his incomplete understanding of the world around him. This establishes him as an unreliable narrator, as readers quickly realize that there is often more to the story than what Huck comprehends and relates.