Why English?

Huck Finn should be taught in an English class rather than a History class because it is a literary novel, not a historical textbook. It is a subjective novel, and therefore is better suited for English;  more objective texts should be taught in the History class. Huck's story has themes of acceptance and equality that are not widely felt by others of his time, making the novel inappropriate for a history text. Usually, history texts represent the majority of opinions felt at the time period instead of the minority, like Huck.

Another reason Huck Finn should be taught in English rather than History is because of the literary elements  present throughout the novel. Things like literary themes, new language, deeper readings, and symbols are things present in Huck Finn that just never would  be covered in a History class. Other things unrelated to the history of the novel, like the relationships between parents and children, as well as friendships; would also not be covered in the History class but would be paramount to the understanding of the novel itself. The basis of the novel revolves around individual relationships, which would make it useless to a History class which focuses on the big picture.

The last reason Huck Finn should be taught in English classes is because of the controversy about the novel. By giving the novel to the students to read, we allow them to make their own decisions about the novel. Rather than relying on the opinions of others, students should be making their own opinions.