The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, continues Twain’s infamous novel, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer through the eyes of Huckleberry Finn. Huckleberry indicates his resistance to becoming “sivilised” and attempts to escape Widow Douglas’s proposed lifestyle. However, when Tom approaches Huckleberry with an opportunity to join his gang of robbers and murderers, he supplies a condition: in order for Huckleberry to gain access and a membership to the band, he must return to the household of the widow, who seeks to “sivilize” him. Instantly, a connection is made that links “sivilized” society to criminals and illegal actions. The reader begins to understand Huckleberry's view of society which is further developed later in the novel.
The judge of the court takes it upon himself to feed and clothe Huck’s father. Once again, this action shapes Huckleberry’s perspective of civilized society. As he understands, a prominent authority has put faith and trust in a man he knows as a drunkard. However, despite the court’s favorable support and abicabilty towards his father, he rebuffs their assistance by trading his new-found gifts for whiskey. This action only convaludes Huckleberry and sets an ironic mood for the rest of the chapter.
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Both Jim and Huckleberry escape from the lifestyle they were unhappy with and were unable to change. They find themselves brought together on this seemingly paradise island in the middle of the Mississippi River. The novel enters a dreamlike phase and this chapter’s use of imagery sets the setting and mood. It describes the “grassy open place amongst the trees”, bacon, coffee, and “good big catfish” which conveys the presence of a fantasy-like setting. This is a stark contrast to the dismal events of the prior chapters.
During the interaction between Huckleberry and Mrs. Loftus, a distinct difference in the treatment of black slaves and free whiteman can be observed. Mrs. Loftus describes the large sum of money offered for the capture of Jim, a slave, and is extremely interested in the offer. She discloses that her husband wished to borrow a gun in order to hunt Jim down, in a way one would with an animal. In comparison, Mrs. Loftus offers her support and assistance to Huckleberry, who assumes the identity, George Peters, a runaway apprentice. Like Jim, “George Peters” seeks freedom and safety from his previously cruel lifestyle, but they are not perceived as equals.
As Jim unfolds his plan to lead his family to freedom, Huckleberry begins to question his part in helping Jim escape. He is astonished that Jim has such ambitious plans, especially as he had not yet gained complete freedom, something in itself Huckleberry considers a novelty. He considers helping Jim escape slavery as an outrageous act of risk and immorality. He is even further baffled when Jim dares to seek freedom for his family, not wanting to cause harm to the man who owned them. This blatant concern for the slave owner losing his slaves, rather than the slaves themselves, is reflective of the mindset whites had in the South.
Sherburn’s speech encompassed the topic of courage, which not only applies in the case of the lynching and murder, but also to real life. He condemns his fellow villagers for their cruel actions and their cowardice, stating that their bravery is borrowed from the power of their sheer numbers. He lectures them on the topic of morality and cowardice. However, one should note that the speaker, Sherburn, killed a man that very same day in a drunken fight. This sense of irony and confusion lends to further develop the sense of disruption and iniquity that characterizes Huckleberry’s journey along the Mississippi.
Despite his previously passive role, Huckleberry takes the opportunity to expose the con men after witnessing Mary Jane’s affliction due to the separation of the slave family. This is a stark contrast to his uninterested and unsympathetic attitude towards the townspeople, whom he condemned for their wicked and foolish behavior. This shows a development in Huck’s character, as he is willing to defend other individuals, at his own risk. However, one should not that he views his assistance as a method of consoling the disturbed Mary Jane, rather than as a direct solution to help the slave family.
Tom Sawyer’s reintroduction as a character in the novel sets the stage for a new and different tone and style for the book. Previously, the novel consisted of Huckleberry’s internal thoughts, emotions, and personal dilemmas. With Sawyer’s entry, Huckleberry’s internal voice and narration take a passive role and the dialogue between the two characters shapes the story. Tom Sawyer also takes an active role in the book by volunteering his help to free Jim, signaling an exchange of presence and power between Huck and Tom.
Tom’s absolute confidence in his plan stems from his understanding and knowledge derived from society and books he has read. His adamance to abide by the guidelines of the “right way” are mirrored throughout prior chapters of the book, demonstrating the mob-like mentality of the townspeople and characters of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. However, as the novel progresses, Huck exhibits his occasional resolution to oppose the customs that are perceived as “right”, making him an exemplary character.
Tom’s exclamation demonstrates an abrupt change from the perspective displayed in the beginning of the novel. Tom’s altered view of Jim reveals him as a dynamic character and this particular quote demonstrates that he now understands that slaves are human as well, something that was not clearly established by him at the beginning of the novel. His words also showcase his view on equality, in particular, when he says, “he’s as free as any cretur that walks this earth.”
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