Bad reviews Quote by The New York Times
““The Concord public library committee deserve well of the public by their action in banishing Mark Twain’s new book, Huckleberry Finn, on the ground that it is trashy and vicious. It is time that this influential pseudonym should cease to carry into homes and libraries unworthy productions… The advertising samples of this book, which have disfigured the Century magazine, are enough to tell any reader how offensive the whole thing must be. They are no better in tone than the dime novels which flood the blood-and-thunder reading population… his literary skill is, of course, superior, but their moral level is low, and their perusal cannot be anything less than harmful””
About This Quote
Source Newspaper: The New York Times, 1895
The critic argues that the book’s content is morally corrupt and harmful, urging its removal from public libraries.
In simple terms: The book is seen as immoral and should be banned.
Key Takeaway
Avoid exposing readers to harmful literature.
Themes
censorship
morality
literature
public libraries
public opinion
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
editorial
opinion
controversial
When to use this quote
- school curricula
- library acquisitions
- parental guidance
- community standards
Key Concepts
moral panic
cultural gatekeeping
literary criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- Should moral standards dictate library collections?
- Who decides what is harmful?
A Different Perspective
Banning may suppress artistic freedom and diverse perspectives.
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