I want to analyze how Huckleberry Finn‘s attitude towards Jim changes in the course of the book. I will try to find out, whether Huck really refuses the racist attitude of society. Huckleberry Finn starts out with a racist attitude, which changes in the course of the story. The termpaper will clarify in which way his belief changes.
I will show how Huck speaks to and about Jim. Furthermore, I will show how he behaves towards Jim. Another question that will be discussed is in how far Huckleberry Finns racist mindset is influenced by society. Therefore it will be helpful to understand the view and opinion of the society he is surrounded by. Throughout my termpaper, I will also take a look at the general attitude of society at the point of time the book is placed. Furthermore, I will show the racist believes of the society and their cruel behavior towards black people back in these times.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definition of the terms ,racism‘ and ,nigger‘
2.1. Racism
2.2. The term ,nigger‘
3. Huckleberry Finn’s change of attitude
3.1. Society
3.2. Jackson Island
3.3. Raft
3.4. Grangerfords house
3.5. Wilks‘ and Phelps‘ farm
4. Conclusion
Research Objective and Scope
This academic paper analyzes the evolution of Huckleberry Finn's attitude toward Jim throughout Mark Twain’s novel, specifically investigating whether Huck genuinely transcends the racist mindset of the society in which he was raised.
- Analysis of societal influences and the "moral language" of the period.
- Examination of the changing interpersonal dynamics between Huck and Jim across different settings.
- Evaluation of the role of the raft as a space for freedom and the development of their relationship.
- Critical assessment of the final chapters and Huck’s moral conflict regarding his loyalty to Jim.
Excerpt from the Book
3.3. Raft
The parts in the book where Jim and Huck are on the raft show how the two develop a closer relationship. They start to steal food, which is an illegal and dangerous act and this makes two people come closer to each other.
In the beginning of Chapter 14 they are on the raft and Huck says “Well, he was right; he was most always right; he had an uncommon level head, for a nigger”(Twain, p.79). This shows that Huck believe “niggers” in general are not that clever. If a white person is clever it is something normal, but for a black person, it isn’t.
One scene on the raft shows a not so loyal act towards Jim. They get into a discussion about language; and Huckleberry Finn says: “You can’t teach a nigger to argue. So I quit” (Twain, p. 90). But in reality Jim’s arguments are better than Huck’s- Huck can’t argue. This demonstrates that Huck has a strong racist opinion about black people and puts Jim down in order to feel better. Society has told him that black people are not that clever and he doesn’t change this stereotype-thinking on this topic.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the central research question regarding Huckleberry Finn's evolving attitude toward Jim and the methodology for examining societal influences.
2. Definition of the terms ,racism‘ and ,nigger‘: Provides a terminological foundation by exploring the definitions and historical context of racism and the offensive terminology used in the novel.
3. Huckleberry Finn’s change of attitude: Analyzes the development of the protagonist's relationship with Jim across distinct settings, from society and Jackson Island to the raft and the farms.
4. Conclusion: Synthesizes findings, confirming that while Huck demonstrates a moral shift towards Jim, the influence of society and the novel's ending present complexities.
Keywords
Huckleberry Finn, Jim, Mark Twain, racism, slavery, social norms, moral development, interpersonal relationships, abolitionist, Southern society, loyalty, conscience, human rights, prejudice, critical analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this academic paper?
The paper examines how Huckleberry Finn's attitude toward Jim changes throughout the novel, specifically whether he overcomes the deeply ingrained racial prejudices of his environment.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The work explores themes such as the conflict between societal morality and individual conscience, the nature of friendship, the dehumanization of slaves, and the search for freedom.
What is the central research question?
The paper seeks to determine if Huck genuinely rejects the racist attitudes of society or if his mindset is ultimately defined by his upbringing.
What scientific methods are utilized?
The author uses a literary analysis approach, referencing critical secondary literature and specific quotes from the novel to interpret character development.
Which specific areas are covered in the main section?
The main section covers the societal origins of Huck's views, the bond formed on Jackson Island, the journey on the raft, and the impact of his experiences at the Grangerfords' house and the Wilks' and Phelps' farm.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include Huckleberry Finn, racism, slavery, social norms, conscience, and the evolving relationship between the two main characters.
How does the author interpret the term "nigger" within the novel?
The paper notes that while the term is used as an intensive offensive slur, it is also analyzed as a synonym for "slave" by some scholars cited in the text.
What is the significance of the final chapters?
The author argues that the final chapters present a problematic shift where Huck appears to regress into old patterns under the influence of Tom Sawyer, making the resolution of his character arc complex.
How does the setting of the raft influence their relationship?
The raft represents a space outside of society's strict rules, allowing for the development of a genuine bond and mutual respect that is impossible in "civilized" surroundings.
Does the author reach a definitive conclusion?
Yes, the author concludes that while Huck undergoes a significant moral transformation and recognizes Jim's humanity, societal influence remains a strong, persistent force throughout the narrative.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Celina Glueck (Autor:in), 2011, The change of Huckleberry Finns attitude towards Jim throughout Mark Twain’s "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/491919
