Huck and Jim
Mark Twain tells the story of Huckleberry Finn, and his maturity that is developed through a series of events. This maturity is encouraged through the developing relationship between Huck and Jim, as well as the strong influence Jim has on Huck. Jim's influence not only effects Huck's maturity, but his moral reasoning; and the influence society has on Huck. Jim is Huck's role model; even though Huck would not admit it. At first Jim seems to portray a Black stereotypical role with his superstitions and ignorance, although his true identity and maternal role begins to shine through as his interactions with Huck progress. Jim's character traits are easy to over look because of his seeming ignorance, but in reality Jim possessed some qualities that created a positive influence on Huck. He began by demonstrating to Huck how friends teach friends. His honest compassion also eventually causes Huck to resist the ideas society has placed upon him, and see Jim as an equal-- rather than property that can be owned. Huck knew he was going against society, and of the consequences that he could receive for freeing a slave. "It would get all around, that Huck Finn helped a nigger to get his freedom; and if I was to ever see an
Jim's influence gave Huck something that he needed all of his life: a role model. Through this maternal role, he teaches Huck to value friendship, that society is not always right, the convenient way out may not always be right, and how to make moral decisions. These lessons are taught by example, not mere verbalization. Therefore, Jim was the best example of a parent Huck ever experienced. The exposure Huck received to Jim caused him to mature very quickly, especially for the small amount of time they were on the river. This growing maturity not only saved Huck's life during their adventures, but Jim's as well. This is the ultimate lesson Huck learned, that your actions effect others around you. Huck first realizes the unconditional love Jim has for him after he plays a trick on him. This occurs after Jim and Huck are separated in the fog. Huck attempts to trick Jim into thinking that he dreamed the whole situation in which the fog prevented Huck from finding the raft. Finally, Jim catches on after seeing all the smashed equipment on the raft and becomes upset with Huck and says: This is very commendable for a boy that has a history of scamming. He does not really know these girls, yet he makes the mature decision of risking his neck to save them from being swindled and humiliated. This judgment proves Huck's ever-rising maturity and has Jim to thank. Huck feels remorse for his deception, and this remorse causes Huck to mature, and realize that his actions have enough impact to harm others. This then causes Huck to start questioning society's view of African Americans. Society of the time justifies slavery by saying that Blacks are incapable of being human. This is reinforced by the "savage" state blacks were found in, in Africa. But Huck questions this after he views Jim expressing emotion and "being human." This occurs when Huck sees that Jim's feelings are hurt, and that he must make amends. This begins the transformation Huck goes through to finally decide that despite strong consequences, he had a responsibility to free Jim. When the Mississippi River floods in the story, a shack is forced into the river. Jim and Huck find it floating along, and decide to explore. T
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Approximate Word count = 1483
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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