THE PORTRAYAL OF CHILDHOOD IN THE WORKS OF MARK TWAIN

Abstract

This article explores the portrayal of childhood in the literary works of Mark Twain, focusing on how he represents youth as a complex and transformative stage of life. Through characters such as Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, Twain presents childhood as a mixture of freedom, imagination, moral growth, and social awareness. His works challenge the traditional notion of childhood as purely innocent by revealing the ethical struggles and societal pressures that shape young individuals. Furthermore, Twain uses the child’s perspective to criticize issues such as hypocrisy, racism, and inequality. By combining humor with realism, his portrayal of childhood remains timeless and relevant, offering deep insights into both human nature and the process of growing up.