How Does Mark Twain's Use Of The Character Of Mary Jane Wilks In Chapters 26-28 Of The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn Subvert The Traditional Stereotypes Of Women In 19th-century American Literature, Specifically In Relation To The Cult Of Domesticity, And What Implications Does This Have For The Novel's Broader Critique Of Societal Norms And Moral Hypocrisy, Particularly In The Context Of The Post-bellum South?

Title: Mary Jane Wilks and the Subversion of the Cult of Domesticity in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Introduction: In Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the character of Mary Jane Wilks is intricately woven into the narrative to challenge the traditional stereotypes of women as defined by the Cult of Domesticity. This essay explores how Mary Jane's character subverts these ideals, highlighting the vulnerabilities and moral hypocrisy inherent in 19th-century societal norms, particularly in the post-bellum South.

The Cult of Domesticity and Mary Jane Wilks: The Cult of Domesticity idealized women as pure, submissive, and domestically oriented, positioning them as moral guides within the home. Mary Jane Wilks, however, presents a nuanced departure from this stereotype. While she embodies kindness and a genuine capacity for grief, her proactive role in assisting her family and her resourcefulness in aiding Huck demonstrate a departure from passive femininity. Her trust in others, while reflecting the ideal of purity, also exposes the exploitable nature of such traits.

Moral Hypocrisy and Exploitation: Twain uses Mary Jane's character to critique the moral hypocrisy of societal norms. The Duke and King's scam targeting her family illustrates how the Cult of Domesticity's emphasis on trust and purity can be exploited. Mary Jane's trusting nature, while admirable, renders her vulnerable to deceit, highlighting the flaws in the societal expectations placed on women. Her absence after the scam's exposure underscores how women are often left to manage the consequences of others' actions, despite the protective ideals of domesticity.

Broader Implications and Post-Bellum Context: In the post-bellum South, where social structures were in flux, Twain's portrayal of Mary Jane serves as a commentary on the enduring hypocrisy regarding gender roles. The novel critiques how societal norms can be manipulated for gain, reflecting the broader themes of moral duplicity. Huck's evolving perception of Mary Jane, from a potential damsel in distress to a figure of genuine kindness, mirrors his growing moral awareness, central to the novel's critique of societal hypocrisy.

Conclusion: Mary Jane Wilks's character in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn subverts the Cult of Domesticity by exposing its vulnerabilities and the moral hypocrisy it perpetuates. Twain's portrayal highlights how societal expectations of women can be exploited, offering a critique of the gender roles and moral duplicity prevalent in the post-bellum South. Through Mary Jane, Twain underscores the need for a more authentic and just society, challenging readers to question and transcend traditional norms.