preview

Jim Essay

Better Essays

”He is sometimes slave who should be master; and sometimes master who should be slave.” [Lat., Fit in dominatu servitus, in servitute dominatus.]

Oratio Pro Rege Deiotaro (XI) by Marcus Tullius Cicero

Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is considered to be possibly the Great American Novel by many scholars and is certainly the best known of Mark Twain’s works. These scholars both powerfully praise and powerfully depreciate Twain’s artistic judgment in relation to Huck’s character, themes, and political statements, but Jim’s place is often ignored or overlooked. Jim’s character is very important in his roles in supporting Huck as a father figure, his example for Twain’s portrayal of slavery and racism, and in his own right …show more content…

Jim’s concern for Huck's emotional well-being is also shown. He showers Huck with verbal and physical affection. One of the memories that causes Huck to stick with his decision to help free Jim is that of how Jim would "always call [him] honey, and pet [him]" (161). This was a welcome change to the lonely boy who had only what is in this day and age considered very dreadful child abuse from his real father, boring and self-gratifying lectures from Miss Watson, and tears of pity from the widow. Jim gives Huck more; He gives Huck friendship. Before Jim, Huck never had any true friends. Although Tom comes the closest, he consistently degrades Huck and puts his ideas down. When Huck tries to "be his true friend" (176) and discourage him from freeing Jim and embarrassing himself and his family, Tom replies by "shut[ting] [him] up, and say[ing], `Don't you reckon I know what I'm about? Don't I generly know what I'm about?'" (176). Again, when Huck has a sensible idea regarding how to free Jim, Huck puts him down with, "Oh, shucks, Huck Finn, if I was as ignorant as you, I'd keep still" (182). In spite of their age and social differences, Huck has free, amiable, and easy conversations with Jim. Another one of Huck's memories at a critical dedication point is of when he and Jim were "a floating along, talking, and singing, and laughing" (161). Huck can speak very freely of more

Get Access