The Day They Came to Arrest the Book

In Twain’s novel, Huck Finn sometimes finds it necessary to pretend to be something he is not. Ironically, the boy who deceives others meanwhile moves toward a degree of authenticity beyond that possessed by any of the book’s adults. Huck’s efforts in helping the runaway slave Jim are rewarded: Jim finally escapes those who seek to return him to servitude. Huck helps Jim achieve true freedom and develops his own authentic morality along the way. Twain’s book serves as the backdrop for The Day They Came to Arrest the Book, and there are clear parallels between both novels regarding the motifs of authenticity and pretense.

Hentoff develops several characters who reveal real integrity as the conflict deepens and the stakes escalate. Karen, the former librarian who quietly resigned to protect her potential career, comes forward to expose principal Mike. Maggie, the advisor who first talked Barney out of attacking Mike in an editorial, stands firmly by her student when Barney tells Mike that he will publish an article about his unethical behavior. Deirdre, thrust into the spotlight despite her dislike of conflict, grows resolute in her defense of the First Amendment while refusing to view her opponents as enemies.

Barney, in particular, must stand against several of his friends and classmates to uphold freedom of speech.