Revisiting the Circus with Huckleberry Finn: Huck's Pleasure and Mine

Abstract

With the exception of occasional quiet moments on the raft, the circus scene in the adventures of huckleberry finn is arguably the only episode of the novel where Huck is absorbed by an experience that gives him pleasure: I went to the circus. … It was a real bully circus. It was the splendidest sight that ever was, when they all come riding in two and two, a gentleman and lady, side by side, the men just in their drawers and undershirts and no shoes nor stirrups, and resting their hands on their thighs, easy and comfortable—there must a' been twenty of them— and every lady with a lovely complexion, and perfectly beautiful, and looking just like a gang of real sure-enough queens. … It was a powerful fine sight. I never see anything so lovely. … (Twain 134–35)