Roles Of People In Huckleberry Finn

Societal Roles of Contrasting Peoples In every society there is a fundamental structure of societal roles. Whether it is a system based on wealth with kings on top and peasants on the bottom, like in olden European countries, or a structure based on race with Spaniards on top and natives on the bottom, like in early Latin America, these systems designate certain roles to certain types of people. Not only do they exist in everyday life, but they are present in famous pieces of literature. In the novel, Huckleberry Finn, it is evident that people in society are viewed differently based on their occupation, gender, age, and race. Throughout Huckleberry Finn, it is clear that a role system is present in the community and each individual is …show more content…
At the time, slaves were, “torn from homeland and family… forced to perform grueling labor… beaten mercilessly, separated from loved ones” (Haliam). As this happened to many slaves, it also happened to Jim. Jim explains to Huck why the only reason he ran away is because Miss. Watson is planning on selling him deeper into the south separating him from his family. In hope of not becoming a victim of this common occurrence, Jim decides to run away and try and become free. Thus, slaves who may not have been separated from their families at birth still could be later on in life; the possibilities are endless. Just like Jim, many “male counterparts attempted to escape” (Haliam) in hope of finding a better life for their families. Another sadness for slaves like Jim is when they did run away, they were not always free. Huck narrates, “he swum along behind me, that night, and heard me yell every time, but dasn’t answer because he didn’t want nobody to pick him up” (Twain 123). Although Jim was now free, if anyone saw him, they would capture him and enslave him yet again. This can be proved by the argument that, “it is clear from the way in which Jim is bought and sold, captured and held for reward, that the law is only and obstacle to his freedom” (Mills 68). Jim wanted to stay with Huck and make sure he was safe, but if he did then he would risk his own freedom. In …show more content…
By classifying these people into their respective categories, Mark Twain satirizes the roles of people at the time. Throughout Huckleberry Finn, it is palpable that different roles in society are present and each individual is characterized in a different manner in regards to whether they are beloved male figures, caring women, innocent children, or disregarded slaves. Each individual in a society has his or her own roles. In the novel, as well as during certain times of history, these roles were depicted by status, gender, race, and