Huck Finn Hero Analysis

Essay Question #2 Huckleberry Finn’s Jim, a runaway slave and protagonist, was a revolutionary character when the book was released in 1885. Although the Civil War ended and slavery ended 20 years prior to the release of Huckleberry Finn, racism was still an issue during this time period. Blacks were still not formally accepted as equals to Whites. With that being said, a black character as one of the protagonists, a focal point in the book, and a hero was, at the time, questionable and inconceivable. In order to understand what makes Jim a hero, one must know the definition of a hero. A hero is defined as “a person admired for bravery, great achievements, and good qualities” (as defined in the Cambridge Dictionary). This definition of a hero perfectly fits the description of Jim throughout the story. The first indication of Jim’s heroism can be found in chapter 8, when Huck and Jim meet on Jackson Island. Jim tells Huck he ran away from Miss Watson because she was talking about selling him to a slave trader, taking Jim to New Orleans. Being a runaway slave was no misdemeanor. If caught, runaway slaves would be brutally punished for it, if not killed. Why would Jim risk that fate? Jim was willing to die just so he can reunite with his family. Another heroic act of bravery by Jim, occurred in Chapter 40-41, to stay and nurse …show more content…
As the baby got older, Desiree notice that the baby and a slave boy fanning a baby look eerily similar. Fearing this, she asks Armand what does this mean. Armand tells Desiree, “the child is not white; it means that you are not white.” Desiree tries to tell him that she is not of mixed race, telling him to look how light-complexioned she is. As a result of the bitter dispute with Armand, Desiree decides to leave with the baby to never return. After weeks for Desiree being missing, Armand discovers that his own mother was of mixed