Huck Finn

by Harold Bloom

-- The only major collection of criticism on widely studied fictional figures from world literature
-- Brings together a diverse array of the finest critical writing from around the world
-- Includes Harold Bloom's essay "The Analysis of Character" and introductory essays on title characters

Genres: Classics, Historical Fiction, Book Club

207 pages, ebook

First published March 1, 1989

About the author

Harold Bloom was an American literary critic and the Sterling Professor of Humanities at Yale University. In 2017, Bloom was called "probably the most famous literary critic in the English-speaking world." After publishing his first book in 1959, Bloom wrote more than 50 books, including over 40 books of literary criticism, several books discussing religion, and one novel. He edited hundreds of anthologies concerning numerous literary and philosophical figures for the Chelsea House publishing firm. Bloom's books have been translated into more than 40 languages. He was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1995.
Bloom was a defender of the traditional Western canon at a time when literature departments were focusing on what he derided as the "school of resentment" (multiculturalists, feminists, Marxists, and others). He was educated at Yale University, the University of Cambridge, and Cornell University.

Reviews

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huck Finn has been a joy to read. The adventure of Huck and his friends throughout the story holds you at the edge of your seat. Although the words were difficult to understand because of the crazy southern accent, it made it more interesting to read. I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it to anyone.

[John Tobelmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very slow read but a great story. A boy in pre-civil war Illinois fakes his own death to flee an abusive father. A slave man [Jim] escapes an abusive master to search for his wife and child after they are cruelly separated. Together they travel the Mississippi and find adventure.

Huck Finn goes against the morals of the day to help a slave escape knowing he will be condemned to hell for it. But even though he knows it is wrong, in his heart he can't betray a man who cares for him. The relationship between Huck and Jim is sweet and compelling.

Mark Twain's commitment to the spoken language of the region and day is commendable and that's what makes it a slow read. His commentary on a society where people are treated as animals is eye opening and progressive.

[Eric Lindholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound examination of slavery and friendship through a thrilling and testy narrative that pushes characters to their limits and keeps readers questioning. Through extensive moral dilemma, satire, and praise of the rejuvenating effects of nature through the Mississippi, Twain crafts a complex narrative that is multi-faceted and difficult to draw a singular meaning from. I often found myself relating the to slave Jim that constantly was disillusioned and manipulated through the unfortunate realities of white supremacy. I often find myself to be interpret stories and events extremely literally and also find myself easily tricked like Jim was. Similarly to Jim, despite being duped again and again, I don't harbor resentment for those that trick me and instead choose to look after them even more. I can relate some of the experiences in which Jim experiences racism, though mine not even nearly comparable to Jim's experiences, but nonetheless find them similar in spirit despite the 100+ years difference in times.

[Carlo Mangubat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I think that the novel perfectly captures what it would be like traveling down the Mississppi River and meeting is inhabitants along the way. The language and syntax used really improves on this book's world building, making it much more engaging for the reader. My interests in the book, however, peters off during the end of the novel where it really just drags its feet to the conclusion. This confusing view of the ending is something that many people, including myself, share. I can definitely relate to Huck the most as his pragmatic, but caring view really resonates with me. His coming of age story cultivated by the various adventures he's forcefully thrown in make for an interesting story.

[Aidan Rowland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this book was a great piece of literary work. It was challenging to read because it called into question the most basic beliefs we have about the world. The reason it is only four stars is because of the last few chapters. I really felt like they dragged out and they almost were repetitive. It was interesting to read Twain’s work and appreciate the great author he really was. It was also interesting how he wrote in the realism mind set and poked fun at the concept of romanticism. Overall, I enjoyed the book. It is a classic American work of writing that tells a great story.

[Beth Ludwick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. Huck Finn, for me, was not a riveting "edge of your seat" type of read. The plot and characters were fun and whimsical and the raft adventure was tolerable up until the Duke and the King were introduced. From there, the story was more summary, and the plot seemed to repeat monotonously with scam after scam occurring. The tone was quite satirical, and I did enjoy figuring out what Twain was saying about Western society. In essence, it reminded me of a bedtime story-- relatively enjoyable to read with no frightening plot twists.

[Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huck Finn is a great adventure book. I have always had an affinity towards kids going off on some tom fool crusade, tricking adults and fending for themselves better than any adult would. However I find the written accents add unnecessary difficulty to the book and I know many readers can fill in the accents if given enough information about the character before reading any dialogue. I liked all of the characters except for the frauds, i found them to be absolute scum, and think that they did well to assist the story along. On top of that, Huck was one of the best written characters I have head about in a long time.

[F.M. Burgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, this classic brought a lot of thoughts to ponder. In some ways society has not changed much from the time period of this novel.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can say I am glad I read another classic novel. The language was a bit of a shock at times but you must remember the time period this story was create. But it was a good read.

[Emily M · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a good book, but I had trouble reading it, and getting into it. Huck seemed like a typical kid/teen.

[Kaelin Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book of The Adventures of Tom and Huck. It was as good as the first one. It teaches those about slavery. This book is great for fifth graders and middle schoolers.

[Emilie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book much more while reading it the second time.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book actually wasn't too bad

[Lis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe its because a book is never as entertaining when you have to read it for a class, but i thought this book mediocre in terms of how much i enjoyed this book. Of course, this is by no means a bad book or else it wouldn't be considered a classic , and hundreds, if not thousands, of scholars would not have spent their time writing essays and papers in response to this book.

[Athena · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was about a white boy who lived a comfortable, privileged life and then he learns that all people are equal over a long journey with a runaway slave. Huck Finn, the main character, starts out living fancy and learning the proper etiquette, but he doesn't like life like that. He ends up running away and meeting a runaway slave by the name of Jim, who tells Huck he is trying to escape from being sold away. Huck isn't comfortable with helping a nigger escape and throughout the book he has an internal struggle about whether he should turn in Jim. Together they escape on a raft down the river and have many adventures and encounters with trouble. Huck pretends to be different people on several occasion in different towns to play it safe so that nobody recognizes them. Another main character is Tom who is Huck's white friend, he is very adventurous and like to reenact the things he reads in books. The language in the book is sometimes hard to understand because it is supposed to sound like an uneducated southern black man speaking in those times, it can make it difficult to understand the scene. Overall I think it was an okay book, the adventures were a little mild for my personal taste because I prefer more action in a book to make it interesting. Twain included a lot of satire and irony of different subjects and I think he did a good job of bringing light to those topics so that people think about it in more depth. For example, he made a lot of comments on racism and it helps the reader see how ridiculous things were back then, that people were thought of as property because of their skin color. He touches on sensitive subjects that help children learn how history has changed since those times.
It's a good book if you enjoy classic literature types of books and satire.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this classic to my nine and ten-year-olds. They were quite stunned the first time I read the N-word out loud. It was a great opportunity to discuss the evil institution of slavery, the United States dastardly past (you know, the parts not covered in school), the Civil War, and how our society has changed from a mere 140 years ago.
This story has the power to enthrall someone of any age, and is hilarious. Clemens again reminded me of what it was like to be a boy.
Any editing of this work of genius is nothing short of censorship, and that road is as rocky and fraught as slavery itself.

[Kailyn Bettle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel it's hard to rate a classic anything but a 5 but this just isn't my favorite. I felt that there was a lot of repetition through the interactions with river towns and with Tom Sawyer at the beginning and end of the book. The dialect was unique and a little tricky to get used to but done well. The other thing I really liked, and why I think this book is a classic, is the amazing themes of growing up in an age of discrimination. By describing it through the lens of a child it is more powerful and will remain timeless.

[Josh Spano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel. Anyone who lives in the U.S should at the very least read one book written by Mark Twain. Throughout the book readers will be entertained through the many adventures Huck and Jim go through. The friendship between Jim and Huck is also very interesting to read about and see how they grow closer and closer throughout the book. Overall, this is a very great book and even though it may have some negative words in it, it is still a must read.

[Bob Rehfeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read of course for every American. Huck strives to do the right thing throughout his trek down the Mississippi. I felt I was riding along with Huck and Tom and thus enjoyed the book until the end which seems much to contrived to be believable.

I missed reading this in my youth but it was still worthwhile reading as an adult.

[Mike Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had not read Huck Finn since high school. It is a completely different story when read as an adult. I enjoyed it as a boy. But as an adult, I'm amazed at the statement Mark Twain was making at the time! This truly lives up to its label as the great American novel!

[River · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Huck fin was very good with many different events that kept the story getting boring. The book was never dull and really made you see things the way the characters do. The adventures Huck goes on are unique and inspiring.

[Niloy Mitra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit patchy in terms of writing style. Great in parts, but slow in many sections. Huck's first person description is sometimes difficult to read due to bad grammar.

Tom's line: alright then, I'll go to hell --- this one line makes the book worth reading.

[Marlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am always glad when I read a classic, however I didn't care for the book. I could tell it was funner however not that funny.

[Ariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic.

[Jamie Sandulf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite fiction book of all times. I think it is America's greatest novel.

[Diane Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite books and this audio version read by Garrick Hagon did not disappoint.

[Izaiah Dawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

History in the making: actual greatness on paper

[Gpaulding]

I loved it! It was light and funny in parts but really showed how were all alike no matter skin color, race, or gender.

[Tristan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huckleberry Finn is living the best life as a kid, he found a treasure chest, he has schooling and everything is going great. But then his drunken father took him and locked him away in his house. Huck broke out of his old man’s house and escaped by the Mississippi with a slave. He had to make some tough decisions to save their lives. They encounter all sorts of people and places that are good and bad. Read the book to find out if Huck makes the right or wrong decisions and what they end in. Huckleberry Finn was one of the best books I have ever read. I have learned and thought about many things in this book and about how horribly racist america was in the 1800s. A book is one of the best places to learn that. Some of these pages in this book fill me with joy, and some fill me with wonder, and anger. All in all this book should be read by every person in america so they can learn and see what the untold stories of life when America was a new country. (age restriction should be 12+)