Huck Finn

825 Words2 Pages

Huck Finn's relationship with slavery is very complex and often contradictory. He has been brought up to accept slavery. He can think of no worse crime than helping to free a slave. Despite this, he finds himself on the run with Jim, a runaway slave, and doing everything in his power to protect him. Huck Finn grew up around slavery. His father is a violent racist, who launches into tirades at the idea of free blacks roaming around the countryside. Miss Watson owns slaves, including Jim, so that no matter where he goes, the idea of blacks as slaves is reinforced. The story takes place during the 1840's, at a time when racial tensions were on the rise, as northern abolitionists tried to stir up trouble in the South. This prompted a backlash from Southerners, which entrenched the institution more than ever. Huck Finn could not be against slavery, because if he were, he would be a traitor to the South and its way of life. Huck's first moral dilemma comes when he meets Jim on Jackson Island.

Huck's initial reaction on hearing of Jim's escape is one of shock, he could not believe someone could run away from his master. Huck does promise to keep his secret, however, despite knowing that "people will call him a low-down abolitionist and despise him for keeping mum". Although Huck disagrees vehemently with the idea of runaway slaves, he quite likes Jim, and so warns him that dogs are coming on to the island. This shows that Huck's heart and Huck's mind are often in disa...

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