Huck's Struggle
History has repeatedly shown how a society of a powerful majority has harmed the spirit and dignity of a powerless minority. One significant instance can be seen in the Civil War era of American history. At that time, the white Americans mercilessly abused the blacks by forcing them to slave labor and inhumanely owning them as property. It is not uncommon that during these times of human oppression, individuals, whose personal values contradict society's unjust principles toward a minority group, will act on their own conscience. In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain presents Huck, the main character, as a person who boldly operates on his own instincts and rules to avoid the cruel standards of the otherwise "civilized" society. Huck's maturity and ability to act on a higher moral standard than that of society develops as his relationship deepens with a runaway slave named Jim. Huck initially sees Jim as a convenient friend, then he values Jim as a person of sensitivity and intelligence, and finally Huck accepts him as an equal.
The cover of the first edition of Adventures of Hu...
Illustration of Jim and Huckleberry Finn, by EW Ke...
mark twain Category:Mark Twain imagesHuck's relationship with Jim begins as a simple need for friendship stemming from Huck's circumstances as a runway. He feels lonely and is fearful of being tracked down by his abusive father. When Huck stumbles across Jim on Jackson's Island, Huck is indifferent to Jim's skin color and immediately views him as a welcomed companion. Huck is most happy to talk to Jim with whom he can share experiences. Early in their relationship on the island, Huck tells Jim, "This is nice. I wouldn't want to be nowhere else but here." (Twain, 49) Jim, too, as a lonely runaway needs companionship and is fearful for a different reason. He faces the threat of being captured for reward. With that in mind, Jim fearfully questions Huck if...