The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Many critics have explored the complexities and controversial themes of The “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”. Most critics point out obvious themes of truth and honesty, as well as the important theme of slavery, and racism. Upon exploring Huckleberry Finn, the reader is brought into view, two outline articles that relate to most of the important controversial themes presented in the novel. In addition, the reader is presented an article dealing with the important role of the character Jim, and how Jim has a profound impact on Huckleberry Finns character.

“The Role of Jim in Huckleberry Finn” by Frances V. Brownell presents the reader with the important role of Jim, and how Jim brings out Huckleberry Finns Character. Brownell explains, “Jims function is to further the characterization of Huckleberry Finn: by his presence, his personality, actions and his words”(Brownell1). Simply, Jim illuminates Huckleberry Finns character, so that the reader can establish a strong connection with him. Brownell uses several good examples to explain how, and why.According to Brownell, it is Jims “openness and unashamed dignity that facilitates Huck's own struggle with morals”(Brownell1). Brownell illustrates through the example in which Huck lies to Jim while heading downstream on the raft. It is in this incident, through the character of Jim, we discover Huck carries within him some respect for “human dignity”. Simply, Huck lied to Jim and felt terrible for it. This concern for “hurting others” is learned through Huck's many interactions with Jim.

It is through the open honesty of Jim that we discover the honest side of Huck Finn. Throughout the novel, Huck Finn is a character that is constantly on the defensive. It is through Huck's relationship with the Widow Douglas, the Duke and King, as well his Pap that we see a defensive, dishonest side to his character. On several accounts Huck has to be dishonest with these people to get where he wants to go. However, it is Huck's time with Jim floating down the Mississippi River that we see the more honest, tender side of Huck's character.

Jim is not only a friend to Huck in the novel. He is more like a mentor that guides Huck through a dark, quarrelsome world. However, Jim and Huck's friendship present only a few small angles to the complexities of the Novel. In “An overview of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Pearl James many of these complexities are examined.

“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” have always presented many controversial topics. Many critics have condemned the novel on grounds of racial, social, and economic class. At the same time, the novel has been characterized as somewhat of an all “American tale”. Many critics have rejected the novel due to it portrayal of a slave, and a poor uneducated boy, which are supposed to represent typical America citizens. The more positive point of view however, points to the expression of, “characters without social advantages trying to make good”(James1).

In addition, according to James, Twain brings a bit ...