This section of the novel kind of bridges the gap
between the old more immature Huck and the new growing up Huck. At this point
Huck continues to have some immature leanings and has not completely grown up
but this is to be expected as he is still young and is experiencing new things
for the first time. For example, this section is the first time when Huck sees
blacks and whites being at least somewhat equal. Jim tells him about his wife and
children and has a serious discussion with Huck. What Jim tells him has a deep
effect on him and he looks differently at Jim. He is surprised that a black man
could care this much about his family. This shows he has a lot to learn.
However, it is at this point that Huck starts to look at Jim as not a slave but
a man.
The duke and dauphin also have an
impact on Huck’s growth during this section of the novel. The duke and dauphin con
people in cruel ways. Huck becomes angered and gets quite upset with their
actions and he becomes visibly emotional. The character Huck was in the early
chapters of the novel might not have reacted the same way as Huck does at this
point. Huck shows growth through his relationship with Jim and throughout the
duke and dauphin story line This section of the novel shows that with some more
development Huck is on his way to becoming a deeply moral character.
3 comments:
Awesome! We both share very similar opinions on Huck’s growth in this section of the novel! I couldn’t agree anymore with how you explained Huck’s new view of Jim in these chapters. He most definitely starts to see a new, positive view on black people. I find it important that you said, “He is surprised that a black man could care this much about his family.” This shows that you understand Huck’s uneducated, naive nature. I feel that Huck is beginning to truly become his own person and develop his own thoughts, opinions and ideas. He has come a long way so far!
Mat I agree with most everything you wrote. I especially like that you mention that "Huck still has immature leanings because he is still young and experiencing new things". I think it is important to know this to understand the character. Huck like us hasn't experienced enough situations to learn from and analyze and I think this is where the quote "maturity are those who have learned from their mistakes, have a better vision in life and understanding" really applies here. The book so far has listed huge events that forces Huck to act and stand up for himself leading to his change of views and different perspectives. When Huck shows an open mind over Jim and his race especially in his time period, it demonstrates a growth in maturity. Because he accepts that his kind are not that different from Jim and only a few have been able to accept his idea. ^-^
What’s up Matt! The point you made in your blog about this section of Huck Finn being a “bridge” was spot on! Huck is still a child, and as a child, he has many immature quirks, but overall he becomes much more mature in this portion of the novel. I thoroughly enjoyed how you mentioned Jim and the talk he had with Huck about his own family. I disagree with one point that you made though. Huck never really separates people by race. Huck always saw Jim as his friend, not slave, because society has little effect on his judgments.
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