As the novel opens, we are introduced
to Huck Finn, a poor boy with a drunken abusive father, who has been sent to
live with a widow. Widow Douglas tries to improve Huck, educating him, sending
him to church and making him more polite – much to the dismay of Huck. Pap, Huck’s
father, has had help trying to reform his character (which ultimately fails),
he kidnaps Huck and subjects him to constant abuse. Tired of the abuse, Huck
fakes his death and escapes, and this is where he meets Jim, a runaway slave.
Together, they embark on a journey
of freedom, hoping the Mississippi River will provide what they both so
desperately hope for. The river symbolises literal freedom, in that Jim hopes
he can escape to North America, to states where slavery has been abolished.
Yet, the river also symbolises freedom in that both Huck and Jim are able to be
themselves, without being ostracised from society. Jim risks his life to
protect Huck, while Huck also risks his sense of self by helping Jim, an action
that was completely unlawful. As the novel progresses, we as readers are able
to see how Jim and Huck’s relationship is able to transcend racial differences,
a concept that would have outraged readers in the nineteenth century.
Overall, Twain’s novel is an
extraordinary, heart warming tale of friendship, love and self sacrifice. Yet,
the novel has been subject to controversy, and is even banned in some Southern
States because of its portrayal of slavery within the South. At times, Twain’s
writing style can be difficult to “get into”, especially the stereotypical
language and dialect he uses in reference to Jim, but it’s an amazing novel,
one that is definitely worth a read.
Have you read this novel? What were
your thoughts on it?
Reviewed by Brogan Wilson
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