My students are dealing with this same issue right now. We must take into consideration that the word "nigger" was not objectionable nor was it offensive during Twain's time. Huck and his friends were born into the slave culture and knew no other way of life. To them, this word was just another word... no connotation whatsoever. Nothing like the offenive word it has become today.
The novel would not be as impactful, honest, or truthful if the word were removed. It must be there to completely depict the time period in American history.
On the contrary for the racist issue, Twain fully recognized slaves as people with feelings and dreams. One look at the character of Jim should be proof enough. Jim is a well-rounded character whom we all come to love and root for as he faces adversity. Twain consistently satirizes the hypocrisy of the church and the Southern Bible belt folks with their Christian beliefs juxtaposed with the buying and selling of slaves daily.
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