The strength of the language used by Clemens is so that is emphasizes the dehuminization of these figures, who the author places in a distinctly human light. This was an unthinkable honor to bestow upon an African American in the America of the day. It is the same as Stephen Foster's Nelly was a Lady. The term lady would not be used to describe one of African descent. Just as Foster's use of lady elevates the title figure, Clemens' dichotomy elevates the characters in his novel. Eliminating the language removes that primary artistic pillar, and the afforementioned elevated stature.
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