We have finally made it to to end of Huckleberry Finn! In chapters 36-43 Huck has accomplished meeting his destined self. Yet before this occurrence a great amount of backtracking took place. With Tom back in Huck’s life, Huck was unable to progress and converted back into his role of a “follower” that he played in the beginning of the novel. Huck is back to a mindless, immature nature for he lets Tom boss him around and brainwash him with ridiculous ideas. In chapter 38 Huck and Jim both realize how Tom creates insane ideas(more like steal them from novels) but never contributes with any of the work. If Huck were to stand up to Tom and perform his original plan, matters would be much easier. Huck is well aware of this but fails to speak up due to Tom’s negative influence. Huck’s evolution has been interrupted and he is being stripped of all of the important lessons that he accomplished.
Huck regains his advanced self when he reconnects with his remembrance of his and Jim’s friendship. After Tom is shot, Jim immediately assists him in search of medical attention. This is the second incident where Huck views Jim as a white man. This permanently adjusts Huck’s view on society.
In chapter 41 Huck is reunited with the Phelps while Tom is being helped by the doctor. Aunt Sally, who is absolutely mortified, refused to allow Huck to go out in search of Tom. She expressed her deep concern and how she is too frightened to risk losing another boy. Similar to Huck’s sympathy toward Maryjane, Huck reencounters this emotion toward Sally and promises to never hurt her again. This depicts Huck’s concern, sweetness, and development for the consideration of others. (especially women (; )
At last everything falls into place for Huck. He learns that Pap is dead and Jim’s omen of his hairy chest proved true. Although Huck is not looking forward to Aunt Sally’s attempt to civilize him, he has grown and evolved enough to know how to handle such a situation. If it wasn’t for Jim, we would fail to see the significant changes that Huck made within himself. Huck found the true him, who was there all along.
1 comment:
Hey Bridget! Your analysis of these final few chapters is very good. I agree that Huck has matured mostly because of Jim. Jim taught Huck a lot during their adventure and he took what he learned and applied it during the final few chapters. I also agree that Huck briefly backtracks on his progression but regains it towards the end. I really liked how you said “Huck found his true self, it was there all along”. That is a really good point because Huck is a genuinely good hearted character that just needed some help to realize that.
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