Mark Twain, The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn Essay Example

Jim. However, the meaning of Jim to Huck evolves as they go through their adventure together. Initially, Jim is seen as an extra person accompanying Huck on the journey. However, their relationship gradually transforms into a friendship. Huck struggles with the idea of admitting his vulnerability to a black person, stating, "It was fifteen minutes before I could work myself up to go and humble myself to a nigger" (chap. XV). Despite this internal conflict, Huck refrains from betraying Jim because he remembers the significance of their bond, as Jim had once referred to him as "de bes' fren' I ever had;...de on'y white genlman dat ever kep' his promise to ole Jim" (chap. X).

Huck comes to the realization that he cannot betray Jim because both of them are fugitives on the river. Their mutual support gives birth to a deep friendship. Similar to how the Widow provides security for Huck, Jim also offers him a sense of protection. However, Jim's presence is not as restricting as the Widow's. Although Jim is clever like Tom Sawyer, his intelligence is not as intimidating or whimsical as Tom's.

Similar to Pap, Jim grants Huck freedom, but he does so with affection rather than indifference. Accordingly, during their initial time together on Jackson's Island, Huck expresses to Jim, "I am completely content here; nowhere else do I desire to be." This sentiment starkly contrasts with Huck's feelings towards other individuals at the beginning of the novel, as he constantly experiences unease and wishes to distance himself from them. Jim also shares this lack of comfort due to his status as a slave, which makes him feel like

an outsider. Taking into account the historical context of the United States during the era of slavery, we easily comprehend Jim's predicament.

One of the central themes in this masterpiece by Mark Twain revolves around the story of a couple from different races. During the 1830s, relationships between people of different races were not commonly accepted. The society saw it as a provocation when two male characters, one black and one white, formed a friendship. Being aware of this societal view, the author aims to expose the nation's moral decline through these two heroes.

Irony is the author's primary weapon in combating obscurantism and is employed frequently. In chapter XIV, Huck employs irony when attempting to explain to Jim that a Frenchman is still a man, despite speaking differently. The ironic element arises from the fact that Jim, a black slave, fails to comprehend the concept of equality among all individuals, while he himself is not regarded as equal by white individuals.

Moreover, the text highlights the irony present in the chapter where initially it seems that the white boy would civilize the black man, but it turns out to be the opposite. The perspective of the first person narrator adds an innocent touch to the story, evoking more compassion towards the young boy. The symbolism is evident in the relationship between Huck and Jim, as seen in the quote "...en trash is what people is dat puts dirt on de head er dey fren's en makes 'em ashamed..."(chap. XV). This incident leads Huck to see things differently for the first time in his life. Jim displays genuine emotions towards Huck and teaches him that one should not

mistreat those who care for them like "trash". Consequently, Huck realizes that Jim holds a deeper significance in his life; he now regards him as a true friend.

Next, Huck finally witnesses Jim's loyalty towards him in chapter XX, when Jim agrees to take the first half of his watch for him. In chapter XXIII, Huck notes that Jim didn't wake him up when it was his turn. These small acts of not waking Huck demonstrate more than just a strong friendship. The presence of a grown man and a child, rather than two grown men, holds more significance due to the need for a father figure in Huck's life.

Jim perfectly fits the description and provides that for him. The mutual affection between Huck and Jim will lead them to various sacrifices. When Huck finds out that Jim has been captured, Huck faces a dilemma of whether to turn Jim in and inform Miss Watson or choose to accept damnation. In the end, Huck decides to choose "hell" and tear up the letter he held in his hand, saying, "I took it letter to Miss Watson up, and held it in my hand. I was a-trembling, because I'd got to decide, forever, betwixt two things, and I knowed it. I studied a minute...and then says to myself: 'All right, then, I'll go to hell,' and tore it up."(chap.

In the XXXI) chapter of the book, Huck's selfless act of sacrificing for his friend Jim, whom he sees as a father figure, leads to a life of enduring pain and suffering. Despite being out of character for Huck, this noble sacrifice inadvertently guarantees his place in heaven. Similarly,

Jim's sacrifice, though he perceives it as insignificant, is actually one of the most courageous acts throughout the story. For instance, when Tom gets shot in the leg, Jim's concern for his well-being is evident as he firmly declares, "No, sah-I doan' budge a step out'n dis place 'dout a doctor; not if it's forty year!" Despite enduring racist and hurtful pranks from Tom, Jim puts his life at risk to save his "friend." Instead of abandoning Tom, Jim is willing to jeopardize his own freedom in order to preserve Tom's life. As Jim makes this courageous sacrifice, Huck privately reflects, "I knowed he was white inside."(chap. XL) This revelation prompts Huck to realize that all men, regardless of their race, are truly equal.

Huck's perspective on Jim has changed significantly. He no longer sees Jim as a derogatory term, but as an equal human being. The doctor supports this viewpoint by describing Jim's remarkable sacrifice to the Phelps family. He mentions that Jim is not a bad person and highlights his nursing skills and loyalty. Despite the fact that Jim risks his own freedom, he saves Tom, a disrespectful and racist white boy who treated him as inferior. Jim's act of bravery surpasses Huck's earlier sacrifice in the story. Both Huck and Jim make sacrifices for each other, despite their differences, because they believe they are helping a friend.

Huck sacrifices himself for Jim, whom he has grown to love as an equal, while Jim sacrifices himself for Tom, despite the fact that Tom is a racial bigot. Both sacrifices result in a life of eternal suffering. Huck embraces a physical hell as a means to

reach heaven, while Jim endures a metaphorical hell in slavery despite being free all along.

Finally, both Huck and Jim's sacrifices have a shared sense of irony, as they were both based on unknown but significant pieces of information. Huck is unaware that his decision to accept "hell" actually leads to his salvation, and ironically, he chooses to do what he perceives as "wrong." Similarly, Jim is unaware that he is already free and takes the risk of losing his freedom in order to save Tom. By making these brave sacrifices, both Huck and Jim develop stronger characters compared to if they had taken easier paths. Huck's willingness to confront hell to protect Jim and Jim's willingness to face capture and slavery to rescue Tom contribute to the book's overarching theme of racial equality/inequality. Through their journey down the Mississippi River, Huck and Jim transcend racial boundaries and discover that "all men are created equal."