In the novel, two controlling themes are the hypocrisy of “civilized” society, and intellectual and moral education. Mark Twain develops the theme hypocrisy of “civilized” society by depicting society around Huck as possessing degrading ethics that contradicts righteous logic. As illustrated, in the quote “he said courts mustn’t interfere and separate families if they could help it” (Twain 47). In the excerpt, the judge declares Pap as guardian of Huck, without taking in consideration his welfare, and justifying his custody solely based on legal manners. Similarly, at that time a white man’s right and property, which are slaves, is valued more than the welfare and freedom of the slaves. Therefore, a society cannot be “civilized” if there are
