Appearance and reality, along with the deceptive nature of things, are often subjective in various situations, both in life and in American literature post-Civil War. Authors including Mark Twain, Red Cloud, William Vaughn Moody, George Washington Cable, Koala-As, Howell, Chopin, and Garland explore the concept of things being different from how they appear. It is important for individuals to exercise caution when making decisions and determining what to believe as not everything is as it seems. One of the iconic American novels, Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, prominently addresses the complexity of appearance versus reality.
The work of Mark Twain includes numerous instances of facades. An example of this can be found in chapter eleven where Houck Finn masquerades as Sarah Williams. It is during this time that he discovers information regarding the bounties placed on both him and Jim. Eventually, the woman realizes that Houck is actually a boy pretending to be a girl. As they attempt to exterminate a rat by hurling objects at it, she inquires about his true identity. She imparts advice on impersonating a girl, stating “Throw stiff-armed from the shoulder, Like there was a pivot there for It to turn on, Like a girl; not from the iris and elbow, with your arm out to one side, Like a boy.” Another illustration occurs in chapter 19 when Houck and Jim encounter two individuals who identify themselves as Duke and King. It becomes evident to Houck that these men are not genuinely dukes or kings, but he keeps silent. These individuals are actually swindlers who deceive the church in order to collect money. Furthermore, they deceive the town by claiming they will stage a play called “Shakespeare Revival,” which ultimately proves to be a disgraceful excuse for a performance. Another instance can be seen…
Next, the social issues writing of the time reveals the complexities between appearance and reality. In his essay “All I Want is Peace and Justice,” Red Cloud discusses how his people are often perceived as vicious and barbaric. Contrary to this perception, he asserts that all his people desire is love and peace. Unfortunately, they are only aware of what they have been told by others, leading them to believe that Native Americans seek war while viewing white men as virtuous. This essay illustrates that things were not as they seemed, and the Native Americans simply yearned for peace. Similarly, in William Vaughn Moody’s poem “A Soldier Fallen in the.”
The poem “Philippines” initially presents a cheerful scenario, suggesting the return of a soldier as a celebrated war hero. However, the poem subsequently unveils the soldier’s death in service of their country. In his essay “The Freedman’s Case in Equity,” George Washington Cable examines the apparent equality of African Americans compared to Whites, revealing the truth that although they are free, they remain unequal. He aims to enlighten African Americans about this reality and urges them to assert themselves. “Dexter Mythology” by a Jordanian relative illustrates parallels between both life and American literature post-Civil War.
Cable, Cattail-As, Howell, Chopin, and Garland discuss caution in decision-making and the portrayal of certain individuals. In one instance, they highlight the difference between how a girl and a boy may turn their shoulders – the former pivots from the wrist and elbow with the arm out to one side. In another example from chapter 19, Houck and Jim encounter two men who identify as Duke and see his people as savage and uncivilized. Additionally, in his essay “The Freedman’s Case in Equity,” Garland emphasizes the desire for love among African Americans.
