Huck Finn: Appearance Versus Reality Essay Example

can be deceitful. Moreover, the Duke and the Dauphin are swindlers who depend on deceiving others through fabricated identities in order to sustain themselves financially. These instances emphasize how people often differ from their professed identities.

The Duke and the Dauphin's scheme in the Royal Nonesuch episode involved putting up posters advertising a three-night performance. Their intention was to swindle villagers by charging them for admission and then abruptly ending the show. This deceptive plan was successful, resulting in a significant profit for the tricksters. Additionally, they exploited their aptitude for disguises to manipulate others into granting them special treatment. One example of this occurred when the Duke claimed, "I will reveal it to you, for I feel I may have confidence in you. By rights I am a duke" (163)!

The Dauphin quickly followed the Duke’s lead and said, “You ain’t the only person that’s ben snaked down wrongfully out’n a high place/ Bilgewater (the duke), I am the late Dauphin” (164/165)! By asserting that they hold high social status, Huck and Jim feel entitled to royal treatment. However, Huck is perceptive enough to recognize the men as impostors and see through their facades. This prevents Huck from blindly serving them. The Duke and the Dauphin also demonstrate the consequences of accepting people based solely on appearances, as witnessed by the inheritance scam they attempt.

The Wilks family mistakenly believed that the Duke and Dauphin were their nieces' uncles, which led them to claim the six thousand dollars. Both the Duke and the Dauphin possess a talent for manipulating people's perceptions to serve their own interests. However, not everyone engages in

such deception; some individuals, like Miss Watson, are actually more genuine than they initially appear. At the beginning of the story, Huck briefly describes Miss Watson as "The Widow's sister, Miss Watson," who is a slightly thin old maid wearing goggles and has recently moved in with her. Currently, she is lecturing me using a spelling-book."

She worked me fairly hard for approximately one hour, and then the widow asked her to relax” (3). Huck perceives Miss Watson as tough and strict, employing unnecessarily harsh methods. Although Huck views her as a mean old woman, she likely had valid reasons for her approach. It is plausible that Huck was not an exemplary student and his behavior was below average. It is evident why Miss Watson grew frustrated with Huck's difficulty in conforming to societal norms. The underlying motive behind her strictness is her concern for Huck.

Despite his initial lack of knowledge, Miss Watson made significant efforts to educate a boy. Huck's conscience eventually makes him realize the extent of her care for him, particularly when he feels guilty about taking Jim away from her. Although Huck's judgment is technically wrong, he starts to understand Miss Watson's actions at the beginning of the novel. He acknowledges that she tried teaching him various subjects and manners while being good to him in every way she knew how.

"That’s what she did” (118). Miss Watson demonstrates the disparity between how things or people appear and their actual nature. The true essence of something or someone often diverges significantly from its initial portrayal. It is typical for individuals to take advantage of those who form

judgments solely based on first impressions, while certain people may be much more exceptional than they outwardly seem. This investigation has made me realize that the idea of comprehending literature can also be applicable to real-life circumstances.

To truly understand a character and their motivations, it is valuable to look beyond appearances and adopt their perspective. By gaining a deeper understanding of someone's actions and beliefs, we can move beyond mere tolerance and reach acceptance. Imagination can enhance facts, but it cannot replace them in importance.