Here's why:
* Fictional Characters: The main characters, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, are fictional. Though they are based on Mark Twain's real-life childhood experiences, they are not real people.
* Creative License: Twain takes significant liberties with historical accuracy, focusing on creating engaging stories rather than providing a completely accurate representation of the time period.
* Themes and Social Commentary: The books explore timeless themes like friendship, adventure, and social injustice, but they also offer a critical commentary on American society in the mid-19th century.
So, while the books draw inspiration from a specific time and place, their primary purpose is not to provide a historically accurate account. They are works of fiction that use historical elements to explore larger themes and create compelling narratives.