21: Satire

  Satire continues to be a prominent feature in this novel. In chapter 17, one example would be Huck's forgetfulness of his fake name. It is dramatic irony when he does not remember that he is known as George Jackson, which causes him to ask Buck if he can spell it, so he will be reminded. He then memorizes how to spell the name so he is able to do it if he is ever asked to do so. It also seems ironic that Huck loves his time in the home and has a great feeling of happiness, but Emmeline, the deceased daughter, seemed to live a rather melancholic life. She had a fascination with death and created multiple poems and art pieces that were dark and depressing. It seems interesting that they both had such different experiences in the home they lived in at the same age. Chapter 18 also brings dramatic irony, when Huck is uncomfortable with a servant waiting on him. Each Grangerford family member has one, but he does not feel right about having his wait on him hand and foot, even though slavery was obviously perfectly normal during this time. This most likely developed from his friendship with Jim. Another example of irony is when the Grangerfords and Shepherdsons attend church together, but have their rifles hidden with them, and the sermon speaks of brotherhood. Not only is having a lethal weapon in a church ironic, but so is this idea of the two families hating each other despite hearing these words of how they should band together.

    Twain also satirizes Emmeline Grangerford's morbid poetry, as well as the idea of feuding families. He most likely does this to show that families may seem lovely and put-together on the outside, but every one is dysfunctional in their own way. This shows that even seemingly perfect families can mess things up, which he shows through the ridiculous feud between the Grangerfords and Shepherdsons, and the sadness of the dead daughter.