The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

In describing Buck's attack on Harney and the GrangerFord/Sheperdson feud, what social point is Twain expressing?

Chapter 18

Asked by
Last updated by jill d #170087
Answers 1
Add Yours

With these descriptions, Twain is demonstrating the utter foolishness of even the most educated and respected of people. His expression of social point is to point out that every class of people can destroy themselves through nonsensical behavior and excessive pride. It doesn't matter how rich or poor/ how educated or ignorant a person is........... pride can make any man a foolish man.

Source: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Second, the Grangerford and Shepherdson families participate in a violent, tragic feud. In fact, the happenings reflect a modern day Romeo and Juliet theme, as a Grangerford daughter and Shepherdson son elope, causing a familial massacre. Ironically, the two lovers are the only ones that survive. Huck explains how civilized, wealthy and respected the Grangerford family is, but then shatters this image by detailing the feud's excessive and tragic killings. Here, Twain demonstrates the utter stupidity of even the most educated and respected families, who can destroy themselves through nonsensical behavior and excessive pride.

Source(s)

www.gradesaver.com