On The Use Of Contrast In The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn

Mark Twain, one of the greatest representatives of American Realism, is best-known as the author of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. A considerable amount of research work has been done by native and non-native scholars from different perspectives. This thesis will particularly focus on the methods of contrast Twain employs in the novel with analyses of his characterization, social milieu of the story, and the artistic effects achieved.Firstly, contrast in characterizationA picture of exuberant characters is painted by Mark Twain who successfully employs the method of comparison and contrast in creating them. Three groups of characters, namely, the father and widow Douglas, as well as Miss Watson; Jim and the king, together with the duke; Huck and Jim, are entirely different and delightfully contrasted. For instance, widow Douglas and Miss Watson are from a world of wealth and culture while the father from one of the poor and the crude. So are Jim and the king. Nigger Jim is characterized by loyalty and kindness, while the imposturous king and the duke are embodiments of evil and indecency. In shaping the characters Huck and Jim, similarities could be found everywhere besides quite a few differences, which successfully avoid the monotony in the design of characters.Secondly, the intangible comparison between life on land and at seaA seeming feature of this novel is the symmetrical combination of places, i.e. on land and at sea. These two places occur alternately, resulting in the organic combination of Huck's adventurous experience with the then social reality. Life on land at sea represent respectively two ways of existence. One indicates original, simple and hopeful; the other hypocritical and deceptive. The artistic achievement of such comparison is closely related to the historical background and social reality. Peace and noise, simplicity and flashiness, friendship and animosity have been vividly contrasted and the different lives on land and at sea are exposed through them and the social milieu of the protagonist---Huckleberry Finn thus been formed.Thirdly, the artistic achievements of the comparison and contrastHumor and irony are the main artistic devices in Mark Twain's creation. The vantage point of this novel lies in making an illiterate child as the narrator. Through the simple perception of the unsophisticated little boy Huck, a colorful and complex picture of American society is represented. The effect of humor and irony, formed by occasional comparisons by the boy, is above all Mark Twain's other works.