The beginning of chapter 31 shows the social responsibility Huck has although it is not addressed. The Duke and King are going from town to town doing dance classes, lectures, and yellocutions in order to rip off the townspeople and gain money. Since Huck knows about their tricks he has a social responsibility to tell the people the truth about the Duke and King so that the people do not waste their time and money. But the reason why Huck does not do so is because he may get hurt or even lose Jim. Also in chapter 31 Huck has the social responsibility of saving Jim by either writing a letter to Ms. Watson so that Jim is at least taken away to a familiar plantation or to save Jim himself. "And got to thinking over our trip down the river; and I see Jim before me, all the time, in the day, and in the night-time, sometimes moonlight, sometimes storms, and we a floating along, talking, and singing, and laughing."(Twain, 242) Just like in chapter 16 Huck turns away from the idea of turning in Jim because of the friendship and relationship that has developed between them. He can't stand the idea of betraying Jim, he may feel like he is betraying Ms.Watson because she did no harm to him but Huck does not has a real friendship with her because she was more of an authority.
In chapter 33 Huck has the social responsibility to tell Tom Sawyer what has been going on because he may be the only one that can help him. When Huck asks Tom for help Tom goes against the social standards and says that he is willing to steal Jim. "Well I let go all holts then, like I was shot. It was the most astonishing speech I ever heard--and I'm bound to say Tom Sawyer fell, considerable, in my estimation. Only I couldn't believe it. Tom Sawyer a nigger stealer." (Twain, 254) Tom is a lot like Huck and is willing to break social responsibility just as much as Huck does, but Huck is surprised at Tom because by trying to steal Jim is a serious crime. Also, Tom did not really need much convincing just about as soon as Huck asked for help Tom said yes.
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11 years ago
I'd like to start off by saying YES I'm the first to comment :D and once again Rita, fantastic blog. I always like reading your blogs, they're so insightful! I like the spin on things you put because it makes me think lol. So, I have to disagree with what you said bout Tom and Huck being alike. I believe Ms. Watkins said they are actually FOIL characters and I can see that. I think Tom is more caring when it comes to slaves and even though Tom is supposed to be the more civilized of the two I feel Huck is more integrated in the ways of society. I mean Huck really battled with the decision of turning Jim in and saving him and all. If he really wasn't bothered by society he wouldn't have had to think twice about such a thing. He would automatically know it would be the right thing to do. I guess to me Huck isn't really away from society. I think he is too young to make up his own mind on what is truly right anyways. Or at least too young to understand the full implications of what being a slave implies.
ReplyDeleteRita way to go! Dont worry ^^^^^^^^^this persons opinions are useless pshhht shes not #squaaaddd affiliated! Anyways yours and my ideas for the ending of Huckleberry Finn are soo on point. I completely agree and thanks to your blog its allowed me to see the part about writing the letter in a slightly different aspect. Fantastic Job!
ReplyDeleteWord Up Rita. I agree with every point you found in this part. I totally agree that Tom is willing to break social responsibility. But I feel that Tom is less mature than Huck is, Huck goes against social responsibility because he is trying to find his own path, while Tom does it to be a rebellious kid and find adventure.
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