1. Irony
After a dramatic escape, Huck states, "We was all glad as we could be, but Tom was the gladdest of all because he had a bullet in the calf of his leg." (Twain, pg. 266) This is an example of verbal irony because one is not typically happy when one is shot. Tom is probably in an immense amount of pain, and may not be giggling and smiling. Tom is a fellow who loves dramatic flare, though, and this is the perfect ending to a rascally adventure. It is as though something he has read in one of his books is actually happening to him. Since he adores grotesque and frightening occurrences such as this, he most likely is actually excited about his awful injury.
Another moment of Tom Sawyer's that exhibits his over-dramatic tendencies is when he plots the escape of Jim. He makes an elaborate scheme that is over-the-top and ridiculous. He makes it exciting and challenging, even though there are much simple ways that could achieve the desired result just the same. The plan, along with the entire voyage down the river, is ironic, because Jim has been free all along. Miss Watson had written in her will, as Tom already knows, that Jim will no longer be a slave. Thus, his ride to freedom was unnecessary, as was Huck and Tom "rescuing" him. This also meant that Tom's elaborate plan was equally as unnecessary, because it was relatively pointless, as Jim would have been freed anyways.
The voyage still remained to be necessary for both Huck and Jim. They both learned things and developed as people because of their adventure. They would not have experienced as much and gotten to know one another, and would have most likely been stuck in their old ways. Both men became much better individuals because of this journey, and without it, their lives would have not improved as much.
2. Characterization
In chapter 34, Tom and Huck device a plan to free Jim. Throughout the chapter, Tom does not question whether going on this mission is right or wrong. Huck, on the other hand, despite the fact that he is much closer to Jim, is constantly worrying and pondering whether they should be doing this. Huck wants to help his dear friend, but does not see a point as he is already free. Huck is becoming more doubtful of his decisions and deeply questions his morals now that Tom is back. He also no longer thinks rationally and realistically about situations as he had began to while traveling, but acts as though he is playing some imaginary game. He also delves back into his old ways of follow whatever Tom says, and not thinking for himself, like he had become accustomed to.
To add even more to the story, Twain introduces a new character, Nat. He is Jim's keeper, and is also a black slave. Additionally, both are very superstitious. However, Jim has become a bit more sensible, while Nat differs in this way because he is quite gullible and believes ridiculous tales of witches told by Huck and Tom. Nat is added to the story at this point, even though the novel has almost reached the end, to pack one last punch at the idea of racism. He portrays most of the stereotypes of slaves; he is superstitious, goofy, not very intelligent, confused, and easily fooled. He is, however, helpful in Tom and Huck's endeavor to free Jim from the shed.
Jim and Huck have a special relationship throughout the book. Jim cares for the young boy and watches over him. They both trust one another and are comfortable. They do have instances of trouble where Huck defies Jim, but they are resolved relatively quickly. Both men learn and grow from one another. Huck develops morals and becomes a more selfless individual, like Jim, who seems to become more confident and also more thoughtful and less foolish than he was previously. They form a great and strong bond, which is partially why Jim spared Huck the knowledge of his father's death. Most of the reason probably stemmed from Jim's wanting to continue having Huck as his travel companion. Huck had originally found Jim because he was hiding on Jackson's Island after running away from the drunk, abusive Pap. Thus, Jim may think that, because Huck no longer has anyone to run from, he may decide there is no reason for him to continuing voyaging far down the Mississippi and will return to the town, abandoning his friend. For this reason, it was a tad selfish of him not to tell Huck. He wants to keep the boy around for his own personal reasons, somewhat like Pap did. Jim was a much better adult figure in Huck's life, though. He is caring and helpful, and the only selfish ways he lives are also beneficial for the younger boy. He gets along with Huck more on a friendly level, rather than on the level of a pesky caretaker. The boys respects and adores him because of this. The two unlikely friends are the greatest companions each will ever find.
3. Tone
When Tom Sawyer reappears in the story, so does Huck's old personality. Tom brings out the childish and playful side, defeating all the maturing Huck has done on his journey. The mood of the last chapters are less serious, and the boys are their imaginative and adventurous young selves. Rescuing Jim is a dramatic production for the young men; they make it ridiculous and way more intense than it needs to be. The lighthearted feel and sense of youth fill the pages as Tom jumps back into them.
4. Theme
Tom Sawyer is a prime example of the idea of moral ambiguity. He wants to save Jim and set him free, but it is quite clear that he does so selfishly. He wishes to do it to be involved in the excitement of an adventure. He does not seem to care as much for Jim's well-being as he does for the rebellious act he is committing. This is where his morals become fuzzy; Tom is doing the right things, but for the wrong reasons. Huck also struggles with this idea, when he learns that Jim is already freed in Miss Watson's will. He questions whether or not all the effort to save him was worth it, since he would have been set free anyways. He still does the right thing by rescuing his black friend, even though there may be no real reason to do so. This further emphasizes his newly discovered maturity and selflessness.
When Tom is injured after armed men attack the shed in which Jim is kept; he escapes with a bullet wound to his leg. Jim worries about the boy, and insists they find a doctor and refuses to leave him. Huck realizes from Jim's concern that, as he states, "I knowed he was white inside..." (Twain, pg. 267) He believes he knows for sure now that Jim is a human being that possesses compassion. This again contributes to the theme of racism, as Huck once again disregards Jim (and generally all black people) as humans, just like him. He thinks before his epiphany that only white people show evidence of good characteristics such as compassion.
5. Symbolism
While sailing down the river on their raft, Huck and Jim feel free. They answer to no one but themselves, and have no orders to follow. Huck is free from the pestering of caretakers and his abusive father, while Jim is journeying towards freedom, voyaging to the free states so he will no longer be a slave and hopefully be reunited with his wife and children. This is what makes the Mississippi River a symbol of freedom. However, it is later realized that the river is not a source of freedom and a release from all troubles and worries, but simply a mean of temporary escape, where danger and problems still lurk.
The towns are another symbol in the novel. They represent the civilizing of people. Each town has various rules that the townsfolk obey, sometimes making them think cruel thoughts, and some of these rules defy logic. An example of this appears early on in the story, when the new judge of Huck's hometown do not allow the Widow Douglas or Judge Thatcher to become his guardians, and instead force him to stay with Pap, since he does not know enough of their lives to feel it is necessary to separate father and son. This shows that societies try to be civilized, but remain unconsciously uncivilized despite their efforts.
At the end of the novel, Huck does, in fact, return to town. He is going to be adopted by Aunt Sally, but does not wish to be. He says "But I reckon I got to light out for the territory ahead of the rest, because Aunt Sally she's going to adopt me and sivilize me, and I can't stand it. I been there before." (Twain, pg. 283) By saying "the territory ahead of the rest" Huck is mentioning the Indian territory to the west of the Mississippi. He still desires to live an adventurous life, and wants to remain free and uncivilized, and does not want to be made civilized by Aunt Sally.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Chapters 31-33
1. Character
The king and the duke are awful people until the end. Never do they appear to feel remorse, and they never cease their conning ways. They are even conning with another one of their performances when they are finally taken by the enraged townspeople. This concludes that they are flat, unchanging characters. The two almost seem addicted to conning, which is exhibited when they have a streak of unsuccessful endeavors and begin to become unsettled and snap at Huck and Jim frequently. The two fake royals are still selfish individuals, whereas Jim and Huck have grown into caring people that sacrifice for and go to great lengths to help the other.
2. Dramatic Irony
When Huck decides to save Jim instead of turning him in to Miss Watson, he believes he is going to hell, since he cannot pray for the wrong deed to be done. He believes he is doing the wrong thing by helping Jim to be free, when the right thing would have been to write to his owner and tell of his whereabouts. This is an example of dramatic irony because freeing Jim, at least in this day and age, is considered to be the right thing. Readers know that Huck is being smart here, while he may think he is not. Twain most likely wanted Huck's decision to be perceived as heroic and selfless; a very mature decision that shows that he has grown up and developed morals. The fact that he is doing what he feels is the good thing to do, even if it may be frowned upon by God and society, simply to help his dear friend, makes him a very brave soul.
3. Conflict
No one should ever stoop so low as to be rid of another human being just for money. The con-men do, however. Their selling of Jim signifies that they are such scoundrels and so desperate for money that they are willing to sell him. They give him away without telling Huck, the person closest to him. They will do whatever it takes to become wealthy. This could also signify how black slaves were barely considered humans during this time, thus further emphasizing Twain's views of racism and slavery. The king and duke sell Jim easily and quickly, and without any second thought, which is common and accepted. This would never be done to a white person, though.
Huck not only deals with the temporary loss of his beloved Jim, but also with his own thoughts and moral conflicts. He does not know whether he should go rescue Jim and continue to help him find freedom, or if he should write a letter to Miss Watson and tell him where he is being kept. He knows that she will simply sell him on her own if he does so. He cares for Jim and wants to assist him, but feels as though he has already helped him enough to the point where it is sinful. After much contemplation, Huck decides he values his friendship with Jim and he is going to release from captivity, not just from the Phelps, but from slavery. Even though this decision may cause him to go to hell, he tears up the already written letter and embarks on his mission.
4. Theme
Twain subtly attacks the idea of the acceptance and encouragement of racism and slavery by religions. Religious leaders and facilities believe and spread the word that slavery is right, and people that think otherwise or help the slaves, as Huck is, are sinners. At least this is what Huck has gathered from his religious knowledge. Twain does not make it obvious that he is bashing religions for supporting slavery, but the fact that Huck considers betraying his friend for the sake of religion is a way of portraying it negatively, and further emphasizes his point when Huck goes with his own gut and decides he would rather go to hell than obey what he is being commanded.
Huck arrives at the Phelps plantation and is greeted by Aunt Sally. She believes him when he tells her he is her nephew, Tom. He tells her his arrival is so late because of a blown out cylinder head on the boat he traveled on. The conversation is as follows:
"Good gracious! anybody hurt?"
"No'm. Killed a nigger."
"Well, it's lucky; because sometimes people do get hurt." (Twain, pg. 216)
This reinforces and attacks the reoccurring theme of racism. Sally and Huck talk as though the black individual is not even a human being. Tom says no one was hurt, even though a black person died, and Sally says that people could get hurt, as if one did not. This shows that people of these times thought black people were really nothing, and were not even the same species as them.
The king and the duke are awful people until the end. Never do they appear to feel remorse, and they never cease their conning ways. They are even conning with another one of their performances when they are finally taken by the enraged townspeople. This concludes that they are flat, unchanging characters. The two almost seem addicted to conning, which is exhibited when they have a streak of unsuccessful endeavors and begin to become unsettled and snap at Huck and Jim frequently. The two fake royals are still selfish individuals, whereas Jim and Huck have grown into caring people that sacrifice for and go to great lengths to help the other.
2. Dramatic Irony
When Huck decides to save Jim instead of turning him in to Miss Watson, he believes he is going to hell, since he cannot pray for the wrong deed to be done. He believes he is doing the wrong thing by helping Jim to be free, when the right thing would have been to write to his owner and tell of his whereabouts. This is an example of dramatic irony because freeing Jim, at least in this day and age, is considered to be the right thing. Readers know that Huck is being smart here, while he may think he is not. Twain most likely wanted Huck's decision to be perceived as heroic and selfless; a very mature decision that shows that he has grown up and developed morals. The fact that he is doing what he feels is the good thing to do, even if it may be frowned upon by God and society, simply to help his dear friend, makes him a very brave soul.
3. Conflict
No one should ever stoop so low as to be rid of another human being just for money. The con-men do, however. Their selling of Jim signifies that they are such scoundrels and so desperate for money that they are willing to sell him. They give him away without telling Huck, the person closest to him. They will do whatever it takes to become wealthy. This could also signify how black slaves were barely considered humans during this time, thus further emphasizing Twain's views of racism and slavery. The king and duke sell Jim easily and quickly, and without any second thought, which is common and accepted. This would never be done to a white person, though.
Huck not only deals with the temporary loss of his beloved Jim, but also with his own thoughts and moral conflicts. He does not know whether he should go rescue Jim and continue to help him find freedom, or if he should write a letter to Miss Watson and tell him where he is being kept. He knows that she will simply sell him on her own if he does so. He cares for Jim and wants to assist him, but feels as though he has already helped him enough to the point where it is sinful. After much contemplation, Huck decides he values his friendship with Jim and he is going to release from captivity, not just from the Phelps, but from slavery. Even though this decision may cause him to go to hell, he tears up the already written letter and embarks on his mission.
4. Theme
Twain subtly attacks the idea of the acceptance and encouragement of racism and slavery by religions. Religious leaders and facilities believe and spread the word that slavery is right, and people that think otherwise or help the slaves, as Huck is, are sinners. At least this is what Huck has gathered from his religious knowledge. Twain does not make it obvious that he is bashing religions for supporting slavery, but the fact that Huck considers betraying his friend for the sake of religion is a way of portraying it negatively, and further emphasizes his point when Huck goes with his own gut and decides he would rather go to hell than obey what he is being commanded.
Huck arrives at the Phelps plantation and is greeted by Aunt Sally. She believes him when he tells her he is her nephew, Tom. He tells her his arrival is so late because of a blown out cylinder head on the boat he traveled on. The conversation is as follows:
"Good gracious! anybody hurt?"
"No'm. Killed a nigger."
"Well, it's lucky; because sometimes people do get hurt." (Twain, pg. 216)
This reinforces and attacks the reoccurring theme of racism. Sally and Huck talk as though the black individual is not even a human being. Tom says no one was hurt, even though a black person died, and Sally says that people could get hurt, as if one did not. This shows that people of these times thought black people were really nothing, and were not even the same species as them.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Chapters 24-30
1. Suspense
These few chapters are filled with suspense. Huck does not seem to be in direct danger the majority of the time. The one instance where he possibly could have been is in chapter 30 when the king strangles and threatens to drown him. Luckily, though, he is rescued once again by Jim. While Huck may not have been in a lot of danger, there were several occasions where readers could feel anxious for him. When he steals the large sack of money from the duke and king in attempts to return it to the Wilks girls, there is anxiety when he is trying to be sneaky and take it from their room, and also when he attempts to hide it. He places it in Peter Wilks's coffin, but is interrupted by one of Peter's weeping daughters, Mary Jane, entering the room. He has to hide, and intensity is built when readers wonder whether or not he will be caught, and what will happen to him if he is.
There is also plenty of anxiety given to readers from the duke and the king. We wonder whether or not they will get away with this scheme, which is probably their biggest con in the novel, and wait as it unfolds. When Doctor Robinson accuses the men of being frauds, intensity builds because it seems as though they have in fact been caught. Fortunately for them, no one believed the doctor. When the two real Wilks brothers, Harvey and William, appear in town, this makes the situation even more suspenseful and exciting. Readers are on the edge of their seats, wanting to know if the crooks will be proven guilty or the Wilks' will be misjudged as fakes. Even more excitement builds when they go and begin to dig up the grave to identify the dead man's tattoo, or lack of, and we all want to know what is going to happen. So much anxiety surrounds the two con-men because readers want to know what will become of them, and the need to know results of the sticky situations they are constantly creating is apparent.
2. Foreshadowing
The king pries the blabber-mouthed young man who takes a ride on the boat with him and Huck, and milks all of the details of Peter Wilks' story from him. Readers can easily infer that the king is beginning to grow a mischievous idea in his mind while conversing with the fellow. It foreshadows that he is going to most likely use this information as a part of his next con; the young man did nearly mistake him for Mr. Wilks, so it would be a believable role for him to play. Readers know that something is going to happen involving Peter Wilks, his family, and his fortune, and it cannot be anything good if it does by the not-so-royal king and duke.
3. Dramatic Irony
As stated in the packet, dramatic irony occurs when a character in a text perceives something differently than what readers know to be true. An example of this is apparent in chapter 26 of Huck Finn when Huck steals the $6,000 of gold from the king and duke. Readers know that Huck is not a thief whatsoever. He, in fact, is trying to steal the riches back from the actual thieves and return them to the Wilks girls, the rightful owners, or at least hide them so the con-men cannot have them. However, if he were to get caught, the person spotting him would most definitely perceive the scene in a completely different way than what readers and Huck knows is actually happening. They would assume Huck is a crook, trying to take the money from his "masters" for himself, which is, obviously, not the case. It is ironic that Huck is really trying to be a hero, by committing a small crime, which happens to be almost exactly the same crime he is trying to stop.
4. Theme
On pages 180-181 in chapter 27 of Huck Finn, a small black family is torn apart. The king lies once again and says he is going to take the Wilks girls back to England with him, so he sells their house, as well as all their property, including their slaves. These slaves were a mother and her two sons; she was shipped off to New Orleans, and they went to Memphis. According to Huck it was a "sight of them poor miserable girls and niggers hanging around each other's necks and crying..." (Twain, pg. 181) This was a terrible occurrence for both the slave family and the Wilks family. It was also a scandal in the town, and a lot of townsfolk said it was wrong to separate a family that way, but the king did not listen. This questions the morals of slavery because it shows how Twain felt it was wrong that families were ripped apart like this family's was and Jim's was. This would not happen to a white family, but he does write it so even the white townspeople disagree with this decision.
5. Bildungsroman
Huck, in the beginning of the novel, is a rascally, mischievous young lad. He only cares about having fun and getting into trouble. However, later on in these chapters of the novel, we see Huck mature and be more selfless and concerned with doing what is right and good for other people. He steals the money back for the Wilks girls, which is a very risky act that could result in severe consequences for him if he were to be caught. He may use his prankster skills still, but for good now. He also cares for the other people and realizes wrong. The conning of the king and duke disgusts him, as does the separation of the slave family, but in a different way where he is deeply saddened. Huck grows up a lot in his journey, and his morals change more than anything else.
6. Motif
While the entire town is crowded in the cemetery, there is yet another thunderstorm. Huck describes it by saying "...and it got awful dark, and the rain started, and the wind swished and swushed along, and the lightning come brisker and brisker, and the thunder boomed..." (Twain, pg. 199) Cemeteries already have a gloomy vibe about them, and this weather emphasizes that. It also adds to the intensity and escalating tension and excitement of digging up the deceased Peter Wilks and discovering who is lying, and the fate of many people's lives.
These few chapters are filled with suspense. Huck does not seem to be in direct danger the majority of the time. The one instance where he possibly could have been is in chapter 30 when the king strangles and threatens to drown him. Luckily, though, he is rescued once again by Jim. While Huck may not have been in a lot of danger, there were several occasions where readers could feel anxious for him. When he steals the large sack of money from the duke and king in attempts to return it to the Wilks girls, there is anxiety when he is trying to be sneaky and take it from their room, and also when he attempts to hide it. He places it in Peter Wilks's coffin, but is interrupted by one of Peter's weeping daughters, Mary Jane, entering the room. He has to hide, and intensity is built when readers wonder whether or not he will be caught, and what will happen to him if he is.
There is also plenty of anxiety given to readers from the duke and the king. We wonder whether or not they will get away with this scheme, which is probably their biggest con in the novel, and wait as it unfolds. When Doctor Robinson accuses the men of being frauds, intensity builds because it seems as though they have in fact been caught. Fortunately for them, no one believed the doctor. When the two real Wilks brothers, Harvey and William, appear in town, this makes the situation even more suspenseful and exciting. Readers are on the edge of their seats, wanting to know if the crooks will be proven guilty or the Wilks' will be misjudged as fakes. Even more excitement builds when they go and begin to dig up the grave to identify the dead man's tattoo, or lack of, and we all want to know what is going to happen. So much anxiety surrounds the two con-men because readers want to know what will become of them, and the need to know results of the sticky situations they are constantly creating is apparent.
2. Foreshadowing
The king pries the blabber-mouthed young man who takes a ride on the boat with him and Huck, and milks all of the details of Peter Wilks' story from him. Readers can easily infer that the king is beginning to grow a mischievous idea in his mind while conversing with the fellow. It foreshadows that he is going to most likely use this information as a part of his next con; the young man did nearly mistake him for Mr. Wilks, so it would be a believable role for him to play. Readers know that something is going to happen involving Peter Wilks, his family, and his fortune, and it cannot be anything good if it does by the not-so-royal king and duke.
3. Dramatic Irony
As stated in the packet, dramatic irony occurs when a character in a text perceives something differently than what readers know to be true. An example of this is apparent in chapter 26 of Huck Finn when Huck steals the $6,000 of gold from the king and duke. Readers know that Huck is not a thief whatsoever. He, in fact, is trying to steal the riches back from the actual thieves and return them to the Wilks girls, the rightful owners, or at least hide them so the con-men cannot have them. However, if he were to get caught, the person spotting him would most definitely perceive the scene in a completely different way than what readers and Huck knows is actually happening. They would assume Huck is a crook, trying to take the money from his "masters" for himself, which is, obviously, not the case. It is ironic that Huck is really trying to be a hero, by committing a small crime, which happens to be almost exactly the same crime he is trying to stop.
4. Theme
On pages 180-181 in chapter 27 of Huck Finn, a small black family is torn apart. The king lies once again and says he is going to take the Wilks girls back to England with him, so he sells their house, as well as all their property, including their slaves. These slaves were a mother and her two sons; she was shipped off to New Orleans, and they went to Memphis. According to Huck it was a "sight of them poor miserable girls and niggers hanging around each other's necks and crying..." (Twain, pg. 181) This was a terrible occurrence for both the slave family and the Wilks family. It was also a scandal in the town, and a lot of townsfolk said it was wrong to separate a family that way, but the king did not listen. This questions the morals of slavery because it shows how Twain felt it was wrong that families were ripped apart like this family's was and Jim's was. This would not happen to a white family, but he does write it so even the white townspeople disagree with this decision.
5. Bildungsroman
Huck, in the beginning of the novel, is a rascally, mischievous young lad. He only cares about having fun and getting into trouble. However, later on in these chapters of the novel, we see Huck mature and be more selfless and concerned with doing what is right and good for other people. He steals the money back for the Wilks girls, which is a very risky act that could result in severe consequences for him if he were to be caught. He may use his prankster skills still, but for good now. He also cares for the other people and realizes wrong. The conning of the king and duke disgusts him, as does the separation of the slave family, but in a different way where he is deeply saddened. Huck grows up a lot in his journey, and his morals change more than anything else.
6. Motif
While the entire town is crowded in the cemetery, there is yet another thunderstorm. Huck describes it by saying "...and it got awful dark, and the rain started, and the wind swished and swushed along, and the lightning come brisker and brisker, and the thunder boomed..." (Twain, pg. 199) Cemeteries already have a gloomy vibe about them, and this weather emphasizes that. It also adds to the intensity and escalating tension and excitement of digging up the deceased Peter Wilks and discovering who is lying, and the fate of many people's lives.
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