Samuel Clemens, commonly known as Mark Twain, has masterfully written novels that have captured the attention of thousands of readers around the world. Among these novels is The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a story entwined with conflict and deep symbolism. This novel is set before the Civil War, a challenging time period for slaves. Twain uses his characters to bring controversial issues to the surface and challenge society’s corrupted views. Among his characters are Jim, a runaway slave, and Huck, a young boy. Jim plays an important role in this novel by representing all slaves, developing the theme of racism, and taking on the role of Huck’s father.
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
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