15: Motif

    As has already been acknowledged, Jim is a superstitious fellow. He believes in crazy things, such as birds showing signs of rain. When he spots young birds soaring in the sky "a yard or two at a time and lighting," (Twain, pg. 52) he says rain is coming because of the way in which they are flying. Jim is, in fact, correct in his prediction. He also warns Huck to not touch a snakeskin, for it will bring the worst of luck. At first, after finding the dead man's house and dozens of treasures, Huck does not believe this myth because of the good fortune they have been having. But, unfortunately, their luck ends when Jim is bit by the snake and has to wait for four days for it to heal. Jim's "signs" may seem ridiculous, but perhaps they are correct, and not simply coincidental occurrences.

     Huck questions Jim and wonders why his signs only predict bad luck. Jim responds, "What you want to know when good luck's a-comin' for? Want to keep it off?" (Twain, pg. 52-53) This is actually a rather logical response, and makes his seemingly negative outlook on life make more sense. Good luck is, obviously, good, and is going to make one's life better or happier. If all the good fortune that is going to come to people is told to them, what are they going to do about it? Nothing, except sit around and wait. Bad luck is something people want to prevent, which is why Jim's signs tell him of these things coming, so he can figure out ways to make it less of a bad thing, like preparing their materials for the storm. Good luck should be something that people are surprised by and get pleasure from, and knowing that it is coming will defeat these aspects of it.

    Jim and Huck are inhabiting the caves and caverns of the Mississippi Valley for similar reasons; they are both escapees in hiding. These crevices in the earth illustrate the need for refuge that the two desire. Neither one of them wants to be caught, because terrible things could happen to each individual. They also offer a means of shelter, and most importantly, protection from both being caught and the natural elements of the earth. Safety is what matters most, and these caves will deliver this want to the two men.