Huck Finn Parental Figures
Throughout the novel, Huck is maturing. For the most part, he does this by himself as he had done throughout most of his life. With the exception of Jim, Huck lacks strong parental influence throughout the novel. Pap failed as a parent. Miss Watson also failed. Widow Douglas was a good person but did not influence Huck's decisions. Jim was one of the few positive influences and the closest thing to father figure Huck had. Pap failed miserably at being a father to Huck. In the relationship between a father and a son, there is mutual love and respect. This does not exist in the relationship between Huck and Pap. Pap was a bad parent and an alcoholic. Pap's drunkenness threatened Huck's health. He was definitely a negative influence although he taught Huck survival skills and how to be independent. Pap was not fatherly. He was unconcerned about Huck's well being. Huck is merely a possession that can be used to Pap. Pap was more concerned about money and alcohol than he was about Huck. He had abandoned Huck and only came back after he had found out that Huck had found six thousand dollars. Also, he didn't want Huck to go to school because he did not want Huck to be better than he was. Most parents work hard to create
a better life for their children. Pap is the opposite. He just wants Huck to be his son when it is economically profitable and discard him when he is not. He was not there as Huck was growing up and when he needed him. Pap was never a true father to Huck. Jim was the closest thing to a parent that Huck had. They form a special bond and a remarkable relationship. There have a tremendous amount of love for each other. Jim was Huck's companion and friend. Even though Huck initially considered him inferior and not a human being, he became a father figure to Huck. There initially seemed to be many differences between Huck and Jim. Jim was affectionate and truly cared about Huck. When they were separated in the fog, Jim was distraught and extremely upset. He said his heart was broken, and he no longer cared what became of him. When Huck returned, he was really glad to see him and He protected Huck. When they found the man dead in the canoe, Pap didn't let Huck see that man was Pap to protect his feelings. Unlike Pap, cared more about Huck's interests and feelings more than his own. Jim was willing to risk his freedom for Huck's safety. Jim really was a good person and spending time with Jim caused Huck to mature. The relationship that Huck forms with Jim is closer to a father-son relationship than the relation
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Approximate Word count = 899
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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