The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Introductions

In this week's episode, Coach Bart and Mr. Fernando begin the discussion of the always-controversial The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (aka Samuel Clemens). While the book is considered to be a masterwork of American Satire and abolitionist literature, the use of racially insensitive language and portrayals of slaves feeds the argument that the novel may cause more harm than good. The discussion in this episode centers on Twain's use of satire, specifically through forms of irony, as a way to discuss the failures of American social institutions as they are all dependent on a foundation of racism and hypocrisy, and Twain seeks to hold a mirror up to his audience for the purpose of self-examination. Musical introduction and conclusion credits go out to Eric B. and Rakim for their 1987 song "Paid in Full" off the duo's solo album of the same name. The song is written and produces by Eric Barrier and Rakim Allah.