Mockery of Religion A theme Twain focuses on quite heavily on in this novel is the mockery of religion.

Throughout his life, Twain was known for his attacks on organized religion. Huck Finn's sarcastic character perfectly situates him to deride religion, representing Twain's personal views. In the first chapter, Huck indicates that hell sounds far more fun than heaven. Later on, in a very prominent scene, the "King", a liar and cheat, convinces a religious community to give him money so he can "convert" his pirate friends. The religious people are easily led astray, which mocks their beliefs and devotion to God Huck says that he wants to go to the "bad place" because Tom was going there and he wanted a change (Twain 3). He doesn't see the point in trying to get into the "good place" (Twain 3) Twain shows in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, that one can not only make good moral choices without a religious upbringing, but one is then free to evaluate one's morals for ones own self.

Then she told me all about the bad place, and I said I wished I was there.(cp 1) Despite the Widow and Miss Watsons intentions, Huck never sees any real weight in religion. Instead, he treats notions of heaven and hell lightly.

Huck believes in friendship and loyalty more than in the Widow and Miss Watsons religion. The boys respect certain small details of religion, such as Sunday as a holy day. Its interesting that they care about these smaller matters but not about bigger issues of hell and eternal damnation. Huck is unable to grasp the abstract concepts of religion, looking for material gain rather than spiritual advancement. Huck spends time debating the nature of religion, choosing consciously what he does and does not believe. He doesnt look at religion as all-or-nothing. He debates over each bit, and doesnt except all religious tenets just because theyre part of the religion as a whole. In general, Hucks nature is to question everything. Hucks father resents religion just as he resents education and the government likely because he cant understand it. He also doesnt seem to entertain anything that gets between him and his drinking

Huck has a clear view of the adult world of religion, and this novel certainly doesnt paint a pretty picture of it. While Huck is often perplexed by religion, and the novel doesnt always show religion in a positive light, it is important to note that religion was extraordinarily important in the South during this era. Sometimes it seems that Twain is clearly criticizing religion. But is it possible to view these religious gatherings as hopeful, or as a common ground that unites people? Think about that scene where the Grangerfords and the Shepherdsons sit in church together. Respect for religion is the only thing that quiets their bloody feud. They laid him on the floor and put one large Bible under his head, ch 21 The novel paints the religious belief that faith can heal the sick as unrealistic and in fact absurd.