Instead of using multiple slaves as examples, Twain primarily uses Jim to portray the true character of slaves. Other slaves are mentioned in the novel, but only briefly. Their personalities and personal struggles are not portrayed. As Huck and Jim are floating down the river, Jim relates an emotional experience he once had. He told his daughter Lizabeth to close the door. When she did not obey, he slapped her. After a series of events, Jim realized she was deaf. Jim states, “I bust out a-cryin’ en grab her up in my arms, en say, ’Oh, de po’ …show more content…
While Huck and Jim are hiding out on Jackson Island, they come across a dead man who was brutally murdered. The novel states, “It’s a dead man. Yes, indeedy; naked, too. He’s ben shot in de back. I reck’n he’s ben dead two er three days. Come in, Huck, but doan’ look at his face—it’s too gashly” (Chapter 9). Jim shields Huck from the appalling scene, something any parental figure would do for their child. In chapter 43, Jim reveals that the dead man was Huck’s father. Instead of revealing the dead man’s identity immediately, Jim waits for the right moment to tell Huck. At this point, Huck has matured enough to know and understand the news. Jim has acted as Huck’s guardian and friend throughout the