The Theme Of Lying In Mark Twain's Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn

Lying in Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Lying is one of the most prominent themes used throughout Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. There are three ways that lies are explored throughout the novel. First, the reader sympathizes with and accepts the lies told by Huckleberry Finn because he is the narrator. Second, Huck’s lies are similar to others he encounters; to protect themselves. Finally, Twain mirrors the flaws of his own self-centered 19th century society through the world of his fictional book. In Huckleberry Finn, lying is a self-serving act that everybody does. Despite the idea that many readers see Huck as a moral sinner, he ultimately lies for his own self-interest and protection.
With Huck as the narrator, the reader is more likely to sympathize with him and his motives and agree with his thoughts and morals. But, if Twain told the story from the perspective of a character whom Huck portrays negatively, the reader could realize that his or her motives are similar to those of Huck. The protagonist lies about his identity for similar reasons as the King and the Duke: self-preservation. When the two men first reveal their “rightful” truths, Huck knows they are lying about their identities from the books he has read. Throughout this episode, Huck and Jim learn that the King and the Duke’s reasoning for lying is to acquire enough money and respect for their survival. When they performed their “Shakespearean Revival”, the Duke instructed his