Huck Finn – 1216 words – College Essay Example

for Hock.

He demonstrates his mentality again later in the book.

At one point, Hock argues with Jim over a minor issue. Hock eventually gives up trying to prove his point and simply thinks to himself, "l see it warrant no use wasting woo arduous can't learn a Niger to argue" (75). Husk's point here is that its useless to try and rag e with a black person.

He doesn't attribute Jims inability to formulate an argument to his into elect but to his skin color and excuses him for it. Once again, Hock classifies Jim on his skin co lord. To Hock, Jim is someone to toy with, easy prey for practical jokes and silly arguments.

J m isn't treated by Hock as an adult, he's treated as though he were inferior. As the novel proper sees, Jim changes as a character, but not in a traditional sense.

Because the story is portrayed t wrought Husk's mind, the reader doesn't fully gain an understanding of Jims true character until Huh KC begins to acknowledge Jim as a person. Husk's acknowledgement is a slow process, has tended by each event that occurs on the river. Each obstacle overcome solidifies their mutual friendship and widens the lens through which the reader sees Jim.

Initially, Hock defines Jim by his race, disregarding his actions and ignoring his true character, yet throughout the b ask and as Hock is forced to cooperate more and more with Jim, Hock begins to see through the racism of his culture and recognizes Jim to be a genuine person. Husk's gradual change in heart slowly becomes apparent through his actions I n

assisting Jim. Following the intense shootout as a result of a feud between the Granger fords and the Sheepherders, Hock escapes to the river where Jim is waiting for him, ready t o leave on the raft.

Jim is visibly anxious and nervous for Hock and once Hock arrives, Jim tells Huh KC, "Laws bless you, Chile, I lug right down shop yoga's dead again... Laws list mighty glad to kitty u back again, honey" (Twain 107).

Jim obviously cares for Hock greatly and talks to Hock in a paternal fashion, using the word "child". Jim takes Husk's danger to heart and exhibits t rue concern. Husk's response doesn't outwardly reciprocate the feeling. Hock very flatly tell s Jim, "All rightist's mighty good; they won't find me, and they'll think I've been killed, a ND floated down the river...

Onto lose no time, Jim, but just shove off for the big water" (107). H suck speaks very logically and without emotion, in order to secure their safety. His actions are v ere instinctual and without emotional outpour. Hock simply doesn't show very much emotion to wards others, mostly expressing his emotions through his thoughts. To other characters in t he book, Husk's concern only becomes apparent through the great lengths he takes to make s ere Jim is safe.

Although Hock outwardly appears to support Jim throughout the majority oft he book, internally Hock has difficulty shaking the influences of racism.

He wrestles wit h the thought of turning Jim in several times during the book and comes very close to dive Going Jims true status as a runaway slave. Mostly, his motivation to do

so comes from Mrs..

Watson. Hock feels guilty for his betrayal of her trust through his assistance of Jims escape. Hock thinks to himself, "What had poor Miss Watson done to you, thou could see her Niger go off right under your eyes..

.She tried to be good to you in every way she endowed how. That's what s he done" (Twain 82). Hock never expresses this internal conflict to Jim and decides to turn him in.

But, as Jim continues talking, saying "l couldn't ever Ben free fee it had' Ben for Hock... You us De Bess' free' Jims ever had; en you ;s De only free' ole Jims got now" (83), Hock feels guilt FRR mom yet another source.

After Jim expresses his gratitude for Hock, Hock solidifies his decision to continue to assist Jim. Now he must consider the fact that there are negative effects regard idles of his actions. Hock comes very close to reverting all the progress he's made in acknowledge Eng Jim as a fellow unman being, but ultimately does the right thing even in the face Of legal issue sees and severe penalties.

The problem is that Hock continues to battle an internal conflict who ill presenting a polar opposite appearance to Jim.

Hock continues his internal struggle in the events that occur on the Phelps far m. Hock must make a decision over whether or not to save Jim from the farm. Again, H suck feels the same guilt over his predicament between Jim and Mrs..

Watson. After deliberation, H suck once again decides to assist Jim and declares, "All right, then, I'll go to hell... It

was awful the sought, and awful words, but they was said" (Twain 195). This declaration is important for Husk's character.

Hell is a concept taught to him by Mrs.. Watson, yet here he's officially rejected it in favor for Jim. It symbolizes his rejection of a large portion of his ideologies up until that point. And although he no longer cares for the morality of his previous self, he still hasn't once recognized the machine behind his entire predicament. Not once in the novel does he De Clare slavery to be a morally wrong thing.

He's taken great strides to see through racism and see J m as a human being but he is still blinded by a great deal Of his prior mentality.