Few books in American literature have been as influential and as debated as Mark Twain's novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The question of whether or not Huck Finn should be banned has been posed for more than a hundred years, but it still shows no signs of going away. It is because of Mark Twain's repeated use of the word "nigger" that many attempts have been made to ban the novel from schools. Although some claim that the novel is extremely racist, a careful reading will prove otherwise. Huckleberry Finn remains one of the greatest classics of American literature, and although it is very controversial due to racism, I don't find it to be a racist novel. As we examine issues of racism in Huckleberry Finn we must first look at time. and the setting of this book. Twain wrote this book before the Civil War and during slavery, when blacks were known as property rather than people. Twain shows the truth about slavery, including the issues surrounding it, such as runaway slaves like Jim. There were many slaves who ran away and an untold number who attempted to escape due to their harsh living conditions. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn appears to be racist for the most obvious reasons... because the word "nigger" is used throughout, but since the action of the book takes place before the Civil War, it would be surprising if that word wasn't used thoroughly .Due to Huck's upbringing, he begins to believe that slavery is part of the natural world, but as he struggles with his conscience, he decides to stay with Jim rather than betray him. If this book was about racism, why would Huck care whether he lost Jim or not (and vice versa)? Throughout the entire novel, they showed care for each other and stayed by each other's side. Every time Huck had the chance to turn Jim in, he never got around to doing so. He was a boy raised in the South to dislike blacks, but he cared enough that Jim betrayed his upbringing and became a loyal friend. Huck knows that he is breaking the law by helping Jim escape, but ultimately decides that, even if it means his damnation, he will not betray his friend. This point is proven when Huck quotes: