Final answer:
The themes within 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' address societal issues like slavery and racism, morality in the face of unjust laws, and the development of the legal system and democracy. The novel prompts critical reflection on the flexibility of our morals and challenges the values of the period it's set in. Twain's incorporation of deep friendship and the complexity of love adds another layer to the examination of societal structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The issues that plague society in Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn are manifold and complex, touching on social structures, morality, legal systems, and racial tensions. The book challenges the established social norms and questions the morality of the society during that time, particularly surrounding slavery and racism. The protagonist, Huckleberry, faces moral dilemmas that force him to consider whether it's acceptable to commit a crime (such as helping Jim, an escaped slave) when it serves a good intention or greater moral good. Furthermore, in comparison with Dickens' works which highlight the evolution of the legal system, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn prompts us to reflect on the current state of justice and democracy and how these systems can be abused. This novel invites us to scrutinize our own scruples and their flexibility in compromising situations.
Alongside the critical examination of societal issues, Twain explores themes of friendship, particularly between Huck and Jim. The concept of love as a destructive force, akin to themes within Wuthering Heights, is contrasted with the strong bond formed between the pair, suggesting that the pursuit of a just cause can transcend societal boundaries and personal prejudices.