Much of Twain’s purpose is to highlight the vast hypocrisy that existed in the antebellum south regarding values and traditions. Huck’s youth provides for a powerfully unique perspective on his society through how he questions and influenced by the varying morals he is dictated by adults. Huck often points out the inconsistencies and the ridiculousness of the teachings of “sivilized” society. For example, the Widow claims that smoking is “a mean practice and [is not] clean” (2) but Huck draws attention to the fact that she takes snuff which is acceptable because she enjoys it. Huck’s unrestraint to make light of the hypocrisy comes from the rebellious nature of his youth which allows him to pass critical judgment on what he witnesses.
