Father Son Relationship In Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn

Throughout the course of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, a notion is expressed about how an unfortunate happening can bond two people in a way more extraordinary than the mind can grasp. Twain’s two main characters, Huck, a fatherless white boy, and Jim, a grown slave, share in each other’s moral development since the novel’s introduction. This unlikely duo will partake on one of their biggest adventures and develop a connection that would be characteristic of a father and son. Jim quickly recognizes the importance of having a paternal figure in Huck’s young life and gladly takes on this role. With Jim’s guidance, Huck becomes one with who he truly is and comes to an understanding about the dangers of being contained by what society wants him …show more content…
In chapter thirty-one, Twain affirms Huck’s position on Jim’s role in his life. In this chapter, Jim falls into a life threatening situation that could inhibit his chance at freedom when he is captured as a runaway. A remarkable revelation is made about how pliable the human heart can be. Huck was one who outwardly expressed his discrimination towards those of color. He even goes out of his way to call Jim a phrase reserved for only the lowest on the social ladder- “nigger.” Huck makes the decision to put his social pride and possibly his life on the line to recover Jim. Huck says, “Alright then, I’ll go to hell” (210). These six short words have great power as it is the climax of the novel as it displays Huck’s recognition that Jim has been that father figure to him so he must support him as his “son.” This new respect for Jim that has been kindled in Huck’s heart would be the causation of Jim’s ultimate goal of freedom at the novel’s conclusion. This course of events exhibits the beauty that can arise from getting to really know another, as Huck once referred to Jim as a “nigger” but now sees him as a father