Abstract

The feature of multiple themes in the novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has long been the focus of the critics. In order to have a better understanding of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, we should analyze the novel by combining the political, cultural and religious factors in the nineteenth century. At the same time we should pay more attention to Mark Twain’s life background and personal experience, so that we can finally know the themes he wants to convey. In this thesis the author would focus on three themes. They are the theme of freedom, the theme of growth and the theme of slavery and racism.

Key Words: multiple themes  Huckleberry Finn  freedom  growth  racism and slavery

摘 要

《哈克贝利•芬恩历险记》中所体现的多个主题，一直以来都是评论家们争论研究的焦点。要深刻的了解并分析《哈克贝利•芬恩历险记》的多个主题，就必须结合19 世纪大背景下的政治、文化及宗教等因素作深入的探索。于此同时还应研究马克•吐温的生活背景及其个人经历对他的影响，了解他想要展现的多个主题。这篇论文，作者关注三个主题，它们分别是：自由主题，成长主题以及种族与奴隶制主题。

关键词： 多主题 哈克贝利•芬恩 自由 成长 种族和奴隶制

1 Introduction
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was published in the year of 1884, which saw an obvious contrast between the rich and the poor. This novel is very famous and is frequently discussed all around the world. This book plays a very important role in the world literature. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn conveys the children’s real voice and reality and it is also an exposure of the society at that time. The thesis is to focus on the multiple themes in the novel and how the multiple themes impact the whole story, plot, climax and characters. The readers are more attracted by the multiple themes in the story. Historically speaking, English literature has seen various themes that have been touched upon by the writers in different eras. Therefore, reading the novel with multiple themes, can make the readers have a better understanding of that historical period. Around 1850, America was described as a country of racism and slavery and it was especially so in southern states. Mark Twain condemned racial discrimination in multiple themes.The multiple themes in the novel, show American people’s most valued spirit, the growth of the nation and the life especially the blacks life condition of 19th century.