1. Unfiltered Perspective: A child's perspective allows for a direct, unfiltered view of the adult world. They are naive and innocent, oblivious to the social complexities and hypocrisies that surround them. This allows Twain to expose the flaws of society and the hypocrisy of adults through the eyes of an innocent observer.
2. Heightened Contrast: The juxtaposition of the innocent child narrator against the dark and often morally complex themes of the novel creates a strong contrast, emphasizing the gravity of the issues being explored. This makes the adult themes more impactful and thought-provoking.
3. Universal Appeal: Children are relatable characters, and their struggles and experiences are universal. This makes the stories accessible to readers of all ages. Twain uses a child's voice to create a sense of immediacy and intimacy, drawing readers into the world of the novel.
4. Humor and Lightheartedness: Children's perspective often brings a sense of humor and lightheartedness to the story, which helps to balance the more serious themes. This allows Twain to address complex issues without being too preachy or heavy-handed.
5. Exploration of Innocence and Corruption: The child narrator becomes a symbol of innocence, exploring the world around them and learning about the complexities of adult life. This journey of discovery often leads to moral dilemmas and challenges, allowing Twain to explore themes of innocence, corruption, and the struggle between right and wrong.
6. Socially Relevant Commentary: Through the child's perspective, Twain could offer a critical commentary on social issues like slavery, racism, and hypocrisy, exposing the flaws of the adult world without directly attacking them. This allows for a more nuanced and effective critique of society.
In conclusion: Using a young boy as the narrator was a deliberate artistic choice by Mark Twain that allowed him to explore complex themes, offer social commentary, and create a timeless and universal story that resonates with readers of all ages.