EP 868 Mark Twain Would Have a Lot to Say About This Moment in American History

Mark Twain evolved over his adult life when it came to matters of race.  In perhaps the greatest American novel of all time, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”, Twain demonstrates his keen sense that the Civil War did not end prejudice and bigotry in our society, though it did reshape its contours.  There is no better example of Twain’s growing appreciation for the contributions that African Americans had and could make in American society than his depiction of Jim in the book.  Jim is shrewd, self-aware, and a deeply admirable man.  Based on people Twain knew, he was one of the first fully realized Black fathers in American fiction.  After you listen to my discussion with the leading interpreter of Twain’s work, Shelley Fisher Fishkin, author of “Jim: The Life and Afterlives of Huckleberry Finn’s Comrade”, you will, as I did, gain a whole new appreciation for this classic piece of literature and for what Twain was trying to tell us.  While much controversy has surrounded this book and Twain’s use of ‘authentic speech’ with his characters, and how we should perceive Jim, the light she sheds upon the subject is remarkable.  She further shares some of Twain’s writings which provide us with a glimpse into how he would view this moment in American history.  Would it surprise him to see what is happening?  Take a listen.

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