Document Type
Class Paper
Publication Date
Spring 2016
Abstract
Mark Twain once said, "I am perfectly astonished--a-s-t-o-n-i-s-h-e-d--ladies and gentlemen--astonished at the way history repeats itself." This opening line of Twain's speech at the Papyrus Club in Boston of February 24, 1881 is proof of his fascination with the patterns of humanity. As the already famous author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Twain's commentary on social hypocrisy and moral social maturation was well known. After writing this novel and confessing his interest in humanity, it is no surprise that Twain chose to once again delve into the world of fiction and produce what would become an instant classic that continues to be a vital part of American literature today. Twain's statement regarding the nature of history repeating itself is truly ironic when compared to the reception of one of his most famous novels, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Recommended Citation
Harris, Peyton, "Huck Finn and the Tragedy of Being Banned" (2016). English Class Publications. 31.
https://scholarlycommons.obu.edu/english_class_publications/31
Included in
American Literature Commons, Literature in English, North America Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons