Although the divisive issue of slavery resolves at the end of the Civil War, when the 13th amendment to the Constitution passes, the issue of racism has continues from that point on to remain prevalent today. At first glance, Mark Twain has little focus on the controversy of the time, the morality of slavery, but with the portrayal of slaves and slave owners, Jim’s characterization, and the way Jim becomes free, Twain believes that slaves should free themselves and yet offers no solutions. In Mark Twain 's realistic novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the absence of social commentary on the now blatant racism of the time leads to the conclusion of Twain 's limited disapproval of slavery shown through the characterization of slaves and
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Jim has complexity unheard of for a slave in novels in the antebellum period, which suggest that Twain believes that slaves have more humanity than a majority of Americans believe. Throughout the story, Jim represents naivety as well as loyalty and serves to mirror Huck in certain cases. But Twain omits any developed background for Jim, any aggression or frustration a slave would experience, or concern for the safety of his family, who could face separation, which he regretfully left. Not only does the omission of details contribute to Jim’s odd characterization, but the inclusion as well. The first mention of Jim thinking about his family comes more than midway through the story: “He was thinking about his wife and children, away up yonder, and he was low and homesick… it don’t seem natural, but I reckon it’s so” (170).
Although Twain portrays his devastation at absence of his family, the emotions become a throwaway and remain forgotten by the next episode, not to mention the very next commentary from Huck states the unnaturality of the concern. Jim’s view of the supernatural, although from the point of an unreliable narrator, depicts Jim as foolish and silly . As a result, Jim has unique characteristics, reminiscent of a caricature, yet no depth like with Huck who has developed …show more content…
Even though Twain views slavery in a negative light, he has the belief in the concept of self-emancipation, the only type available to slaves which Harriet Tubman dedicated her life to as well as other abolitionists. Though the redeeming view favors Twain today, he offers no solution or advice to the controversy which his voice could change due to his influence. Throughout the story, Twain illustrates human follies and failings, yet racism and slavery lack commentary as
Jim has complexity unheard of for a slave in novels in the antebellum period, which suggest that Twain believes that slaves have more humanity than a majority of Americans believe. Throughout the story, Jim represents naivety as well as loyalty and serves to mirror Huck in certain cases. But Twain omits any developed background for Jim, any aggression or frustration a slave would experience, or concern for the safety of his family, who could face separation, which he regretfully left. Not only does the omission of details contribute to Jim’s odd characterization, but the inclusion as well. The first mention of Jim thinking about his family comes more than midway through the story: “He was thinking about his wife and children, away up yonder, and he was low and homesick… it don’t seem natural, but I reckon it’s so” (170).
Although Twain portrays his devastation at absence of his family, the emotions become a throwaway and remain forgotten by the next episode, not to mention the very next commentary from Huck states the unnaturality of the concern. Jim’s view of the supernatural, although from the point of an unreliable narrator, depicts Jim as foolish and silly . As a result, Jim has unique characteristics, reminiscent of a caricature, yet no depth like with Huck who has developed …show more content…
Even though Twain views slavery in a negative light, he has the belief in the concept of self-emancipation, the only type available to slaves which Harriet Tubman dedicated her life to as well as other abolitionists. Though the redeeming view favors Twain today, he offers no solution or advice to the controversy which his voice could change due to his influence. Throughout the story, Twain illustrates human follies and failings, yet racism and slavery lack commentary as