| The name of Mark Twain is much more well-known than Samuel Clemens. In the history of American literature, Twain is a great realist and satirist in late 19th century. His major works were written in the period from 1870-1910 when America was transformed from free trade capitalism to monopolistic stage with a high speed. Most of his works reflect the American social life and have great significance. "In this industrialized society, the great flow of industry irrigated the whole world; human nature exposed and developed fully and cruelly; civilization showed its magical strength which changed human being almost to savage."(Alan Block,1997: 42) It is in that society Mark Twain sought his dream of democracy. He once held the faith in the likelihood of its prosperity. Also, he showed concern for human nature, its kindness, its development and improvement. Especially he paid close attention to the growth of children and teenagers, and to their maturation process of conscience and morality. In this thesis, I will center on the Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to probe into Mark Twain's lifelong pursuit of humanist ideals, that is to say, I am trying to reinterpret Mark Twain's works from humanist point of view. In the Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain concerned about human nature, human natural inclination and inborn ability. He thought that kind nature only existed in nature; the civilized society had distorted human nature and caused all kinds of crimes rampant. One can only stay away from the society to keep his natural kind heart and sound soul. In the Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Tom is a naughty, smart boy. He wants an exciting, easy-going life full of adventures, free of control from any authorities. Also, he is an exhibitionist, extremely fond of limelight: glory, honor, sensations, etc.. His mischievous deeds and adventurous activities revolt society mildly. He is thought to be the future of the nation, the pillar of a democratic society. He is a son of civilization. In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck is a son of nature. He tries his best to fight against evil force of the society. The Mississippi river is the place where he finds truth of what human beings should be. Being cut off from social prejudice and discriminations, he grows up as a true man who has the spirit of democracy, love, equality and freedom. He escapes from the civilized society, and looks for truth and pursuits self-identity and self-value in nature instead. He is an ideal character who represents Mark Twain's humanist spirit. There eventually exist contradictions between these two novels, which are civilization vs. nature, and the son of civilization vs. the son of nature. 1. The son of nature is independent and self-reliant, he lives by his own judgment, while the son of nature has to be dependent on the society in the course of his self - fulfillment.2. In natural order, all human beings are true equal.3. Only the son of nature has freedom, he is free of any clutches of society and can behave according to his kind conscience.4. The son of nature loves all people.Mark Twain's humanist spirit is represented through Huck Finn and Tom. His humanist ideals have become one part of the western humanist tradition, which strikes the chord of every reader's heart and makes his works classic in world literature.However, Mark Twain was one who lived all his life in the capitalist society. His thoughts unavoidablely have features of his time, and they are stamped by social background. The process of Huck's pursuit of freedom shows his compromising and contradictory attitude. Although Mark Twain had some limitations and shortcomings, we are more impressed by his excellent literary talent and we highly appreciate his humanist spirit. |
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