Why is Huckleberry Finn considered a controversial figure? This question has sparked countless debates, with the novel's contentious elements often overshadowing its literary and historical significance. Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has been embroiled in controversy since its publication in the late nineteenth century. At the heart of the debate is the novel's portrayal of racism and its use of racially offensive language, specifically the repeated use of a racial slur. Twain's raw portrayal of racial attitudes of the era was groundbreaking at the time, yet it has also made the novel a lightning rod for criticism. Critics argue that the book's language and its depiction of African Americans perpetuate harmful stereotypes. They contend that Twain's portrayal of Jim, a runaway slave and one of the novel's main characters, is demeaning and dehumanizing, thereby reinforcing racial prejudices. On the other hand, proponents of the novel argue that Twain was merely reflecting the realities of his time. They maintain that his use of offensive language and racial stereotypes were not meant to endorse those views, but rather to expose and criticize them. They point out that Huck, the novel's protagonist, undergoes a moral transformation, ultimately rejecting the racist beliefs of his society. This controversy has led to debates about the novel's place in school curriculums. Some schools have banned the book altogether, while others have replaced it with sanitized versions that omit offensive language. Yet, there are those who argue that removing the novel from classrooms or altering its content erases a crucial part of American history, and robs students of the opportunity to engage with these difficult issues in a meaningful way. Huckleberry Finn remains a complex and contentious piece of literature. Its controversies are not just about the novel itself, but also about how we interpret and teach our history. Huckleberry Finn continues to stir debates, reflecting our ongoing struggle to reconcile with our past.