Tuesday, April 6, 2010
THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN and two critical interpretations
Identify the arguments of T.S Eliot in "The River Controls Huckleberry Finn" and Henry Nash Smith in "Three Coherent Elements in Huckleberry Finn." Do you agree with their interpretations? Why or why not? Use specific, direct evidence from the novel and the essays in order to support your opinions.
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The argument made in "The River Controls Finn" is basically whats implied in the title. The river controls the fate by taking Huck to places where adventures are bound to take place. For example, when they are in the situation where several murderes are in a boat, then when Jim is seperated from Tom. Furthermore the part in which, the duke and king come runing back to the raft illustrates that the river controlled that fate. Nevertheless the river plays a crucial role in the story, as most of the book discussed how each characters life changed while on the raft.
ReplyDeleteThree coherent Elements in Huckleberry Finn, argues that 3 elements stand out in the story:
1)how Mark Twain changed his original plan for the story purpose after 3 years, from adventures to social commentary, and character roles.
2)Hucks mental dialogues
3)conflicts of morals in Huck
i agree to some extent, especially when you notice the transition made when characters are discarded for a period such as Jim, who after disappearing reappeared with a not so convincing explanation as to why he went missing.
I agree with Rafael upstairs when he states that the title is basically the main idea of "The River Controls Finn." I believe Eliot was making a point when he described how the river controlled the destiny of Finn and other characters in the story.
ReplyDeleteAs a sidenote, I was thinking about how Eliot used the river also as a symbol to reflect on the way that the Author wrote Huckleberry Finn. Mark Twain basically went with the flow as he wrote this novel and this can compare with a river flowing freely.
I agree with Henry Nash Smith in "Three Coherent Elements in Huckleberry Finn." He explains the writing process of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twains incorporation of the three elements in the story and how he organized the novel in three sections indirectly.
"The River Controls Finn" I agree with the 2 previous comments above me by Martin and Rafael.
ReplyDelete"it is the river that controls the voyage of Huck and Jim; that will not let them land at Cairo, where Jim could have reached freedom; it is the River that separates them. "I believe that the river does control Huckleberry because throughout the story they yes, have become independent from the teachings of religion and how to become civilized, however they are always reminded of reality and its beliefs. The house floating down the river, the death of buck, and the impostors getting aboard their raft shows only some of the incidents of how they are unable to escape society's beliefs.
The raft is like a symbol of their freedom, where Jim and Huck treat each other almost as equals. Although Huck has his doubts, he ultimately decides to try helping Jim. Furthermore, he treats Jim better than other whites do. For example, they once had a debate regarding rulers and had an agreement rather than physically fight. Huck listened to Jim and his feelings towards Jim (as stated in the essays) shows he admires who Jim is. He accepts Jim as a human. Jim seems like the only human in the story because he is capable of showing compassion (when Tom got shot in the leg he stayed behind and risked his own freedom). I think the "river" Eliot used was referring to overall society. Society overall has the power to make people conform to its beliefs.
"At one season, it may move sluggishly in a channel...at another season, it may obliterate the low Illinois shore to a horizon of water, while in its bed it runs with a speed such that no man or beast can survive in it.”: Sometimes society harms people without knowing it(slaves) because their beliefs are engraved into society. Whites equate power with skin color. Since they have lighter skin than blacks do, they think they are dominant. Because they are so used to that thought they don’t even realize how immoral the act of slavery is.
In Henry Nash Smith in "Three Coherent Elements in Huckleberry Finn” I think Smith was right in saying Mark Twain had no idea how he was constructing the book. I noticed somewhere in the middle of the book (where the impostors and where Huck started debating whether to follow society or his consciousness) that Huck’s writing has improved. I thought it paralleled how Huck was getting more educated as he went down the river. When Twain began writing again he probably learned more stuff about society like Huck. The improvement in grammar and spelling shows his maturity on the subject of slavery and societies beliefs, that he was becoming aware of the popular beliefs Huck didn’t wish to conform to: “Aunt sally she’s going to adopt me and sivilize me, and I can’t stand it. I been there before.” The ending statement of the book shows Huck’s inability to accept society because of how he observed the southern world around him with Jim as they went down the river.
Im unsure whether the book ended correctly or not but I think Mark Twain made it seem believable enough. Like the essay implied, even after the freedom of slaves, they will still have a hard time. So the description of the last few chapters of Tom trying to help Jim escape from captivity when he already knows Jim is free and can simply tell the family shows white peoples inability to take their freedom seriously. Blacks still face struggles even after they are told they are free because they face discriminations and there are still some beliefs that discriminate them. Twain showed how blacks cannot simply be set free, that they still struggle in the end. Jim doesn’t simply get to the North too easily. Twain made Jim get caught but still sets him free in a reasonable manner.
In "Three Coherent Elements in Huckleberry Finn," Henry Nash Smith is basically talking about how Twain sort of struggled to like, portray his themes. Like Twain must've been really lost himself & didn't know what he wanted to say.
ReplyDeleteI agree with him because even before I read the story, knowing that it was about a slave trying to gain it's freedom, I was expecting more like... controversy & expecting the story to be more focused on Jim. But Finn & Jim's other little adventures in the story only seemed random. I mean, staying at the Grangerfold's, I didn't really see what Jim or Finn were supposed to learn there. IDK, though. And it does seem like Twain was holding off from having to deal with the issue of slavery.
And there were times where I was reading Finn's thoughts and I thought he was finally seeing slavery as bad and mean. But he'd never do anything about it. So it was really confusing because even though it seem'd like he'd made the connection, he didn't do anything, so it was almost like nothing had really changed.
So yeah. I can see what Smith means when he talks about how Twain didn't seem to know what he wanted the purpose of his book to be for a very long time.
I also agree with Nash and his argument in "The river controls Huckleberry Finn" because most of huckleberry's adventures are because of that river. The river is also what helped him escape his fathers clutches, which ultimately start his adventures.I also noticed that Huck greatly improved his writing after going to school like lmllavore said.
ReplyDeleteIn "The River Controls Huckleberry Finn," I agree with T.S Eliot. I believe that all the adventures in the story are caused by the river in some way. He escapes from his father, he meets the duke and the king, he passes Cairo due to the fog on the river, etc. Ultimately the river does control Huck and Jim. If the river led them on a different path, the story would change.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading "Three Coherent Elements in Huckleberry Finn," by Henry Nash Smith, I was reminded that In the preface of the book, it says that it took Twain a long time to write the story and that he edited it several times and took breaks. Then after reading, it made it seem like Smith was saying the purpose of the story was to write about these three elements.
Do you think that Twain's purpose in writing the story was to simply write about these three elements? Smith supports his argument by saying that he only included the duke and the king to keep the story flowing.
(Kind of confusing sorry)
Nick P. Period 1
I agree with the previous comments that state that the main claim in "The River Controls Huckleberry Finn" is that the river is the dominating figure in controlling the lives of Huckfinn and Jim. The river chooses where the two go, enabling them to encounter the horrible people they do. I think the river is like life itself, with the person being unable to do much except make the best with what life gives you. Huck must deal with what the river presents him, just like how people must deal with what life presents them. Like lmllavore said, the river allowed Huck to see Jim as a man. Through the experiences Huck and Jim go through together, Huck is able to see Jim as an actual person that cares for his family just as a white man would. The mindset that society has placed upon him is challenged by the humane behavior Jim exhibits and the kindness he possesses. Just like in Pocahontas, the river is always changing and it is unknown what is in store for those travelling on it.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with marissel about the people that Huck meets have no significance. The Grangerfolds, whether Twain intended them to or not, display the idiocy of humanity. There are two families, the Grangerfolds and the Shepherdsons, who have a family feud that neither even remember what caused it. They only know that they despise each other. Because a member of the family has chosen to marry a member of the opposing family, many people are killed in a worthless quarrel. Throughout the whole novel, Twain provides social commentary on life. The king and the duke show the ruthless and horrible nature of people. The people who attend their shows try to get the rest of the town to be ripped off by their show demonstrates the selfish nature of humans. Rather than warn other people of the scam, the people who attend the show encourage other people to see it so they are scammed as well. This way, the people who saw the show first don't seem so stupid. Also, many things in the book demonstrate the confusion in cultural values. Jim, though considered inferior by many in the South, cares greatly for Huck and is quite intelligent. Ms Watson, although considered a decent person, has no problem splitting up a family of slaves. Throughout the novel, Twain presents situations that contradict themselves, showing the paradox nature of society. Sherbern murders a drunken man. He delivers a speech to the angry mob that is quite truthful and intellectual, yet he still murdered a seemingly innocent man. Every encounter in the novel provides commentary of society, mostly about the negative parts of it. Yet it is entirely possible that Twain had no idea of the symbolism present in the book and that we as readers added the underlying meaning on to it. In my understanding, most of this book shows the confusion Huck faces, seeing as the events he goes through challenge societal values presented to him. Reality and fiction are intertwined, as many things are lies in the book.
right.... haha, nevermind.
ReplyDeleteI'm starting to see what you guys mean.
IF Twain did know all along where he was going with this story, then the Grangerfolds, the killing of the drunk, and all those people who came to watch the Duke's show would probably emphasize how people are sometimes.... unreasonable and... dumb.
I agree with what everyone that the essay "The River Controls Huckleberry Finn" is saying that the river does control what happens to Huck and Finn. If it wasn't for the river then nothing in the story would really happen. Like, Huck wouldn't have run away from his dad, he wouldn't have met the duke and king,and all the other stuff.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Smith's interpretation in the essay "Three Coherent Elements in Huckleberry Finn." I agree because Smith said that instead of Twain just writing about Huck and Jim's escape he made talked more about the society of the prewar South. I noticed that in the middle of the book Jim seemed to just disappear and talked more of the towns Huck, the duke and the king seemed to be in.
I agree with marissel in that Twain tends to portray society in a negative manner. Does anyone find an example when Twain finds something positive to say about society?
ReplyDeleteOn what Mark said about the coherent elements, I agree that most likely, Mark Twain was writing about life in the south rather than just describing the adventures of Huck and Jim. Through characterization of characters such as Jim, the Grangerfolds, the angry mob, Ms Watson, the father, and many others and through the plot, Twain provides his viewpoint on the society.
I agree with "The River Controls Huckleberry Finn," as does everyone else. The comparison of the river being seen as a powerful force does come to life. In the novel, Huckleberry Finn goes against the belief of society. Huck does not want Miss Watson or whomever to "sivilize" him, nor does he want to turn Jim in as a slave. He has good intentions and matures throughout the novel. The story consists of scenarios that put both him and Jim into trouble, reflecting the chaotic nature of the river. But the story also unfolds as not following values of the society, and Huck and Jim going with the flow and relying on whatever is offered to them, just as the river. They don't plan ahead of themselves, and when they do, they do not even follow through with their plans.
ReplyDeleteOh! I have a question that I have been meaning to ask but didn't get the chance to during the seminar :] I was wondering if anyone had any input on what Huck's saying, "by-and-by" meant? Is there any significance to it? Because it was used a massive amount of times throughout the novel! Kthxbai.
ReplyDeleteUhh, I agree with lmllavore. Does this person even go to our school? That is one long analysis.
ReplyDeleteMy question is does anyone agree with what Nash says about Jim not having a place in certain parts of the story? While Huck is with the Grangerfolds and the Shepherdsons, Jim is no where to be seen. I think that part of the story would be different with Jim there but I'm not sure that he has to be taken out entirely for Twain to convey whatever message he tries to here.
ReplyDeleteSo is the story centered around the river or around Jim?
ReplyDeletehaha yeah jeneega...my bro is nathaniel llavore>.<
ReplyDeleteAnd to Aabra...I think they DO sometimes show how society is good. In the essay it says a part about how Huck was analyzing whether to help Jim or not. He finally realized what he was doing was wrong because he was helping a slave escape when his owner did nothing to huck(i forgot her name but she tried civilizing him. gave him good clothes. taught him religious and educational stuff)The book shows shes nice and caring to Huck but at the same time she sitll owns a slave. There are a lot of characters like this. It's so contradicting. They're nice but own slaves and dont treat them as human beings.
This can also be seen at the end with the family that Huck pretends to be as Tom. I believe the man of the house was religious? a preacher perhaps...even a guy that believed in God and the bible's teachings owned slaves.
Another example is with Buck and his family. Huck is basically a stranger and they take him into his own home and treat him kindly yet they own slaves.
You can say they were portrayed in a good way...but it's overshadowed from the slaves they own since our society doesnt think slavery is very appropriate.
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ReplyDeleteIm to lazy to read all the comments but I'm probably just agreeing with everyone when i say the river does control the whole story. Throughout the novel Huck and Jim and other characters are on the raft waiting till it takes them to some town. The river is in a way a character in the story. It makes most of the choices in the story. If there wasn't a river and the people were stuck walking around they would have to make choices of where to go, whereas the river already makes the choice for them. The river is like a god guiding the characters where to go.
ReplyDeleteAlso one thing i found interesting in the story is the way Huck always adjust to life which makes him so passive. For example when he gets kidnapped by his dad he adjust to that living style and wen he meets the Duke and King he knew they weren't really a duke and king but he accepts it because he does not want to cause any conflict.
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ReplyDeletei agree with everyone on how the river controls the destiny of of Jim and Huck, it provides them with luck and unlucky situation. i think to some it extent the river also controls Twain himself because he plays with it to bring forth the faith of Jim and Huck.The river smooths Twain's transition, throughout the 3 years he changes the story, from adventure to social commentary. The river provides the change in view point that Jim is an actual human being, it causes Huck to go against his beliefs, he states that if even if it means he will go to hell he has to free Jim. He also says something along the lines of i knew Jim was a white man on the inside, which proves that although he sees Jim as a human, society prejudice is still blinding him and making him believe that only white men are human.
ReplyDeleteand to what lmllavore said, i agree to it at some extent, but then again Huck's desire and commitment to free Jim overshadowed his feelings of disappointing Jim's slave master so i don't really think that provides an accurate example in how society is good sometimes. If anything his desire to free Jim proves that more accurately. Also, although she was "caring" to Huck, he did not like the fact that he tried to civilize her, which is why he escaped once in the beginning, and at the end he is far from content that aunt sally want s to adopt him to try to civilize him also. I think rather than comment on how society is good, Twain provides commentary on how blinded society is by their prejudice that African Americans are not human, since all of those "good" people treat them as animals.
So the entire blog pretty much comments on whether or not the river controls the book. for the most part, we all agree. And I agree as well. However, to answer Nick's question, first off, I believe the book centers around both plot elements. Jim and the river. The river is the only source of freedom for Jim. And Jim's freedom is the reason this book started. Without one of them, this book cannot exist. For Huck and Jim, the Mississippi River is their path to freedom. They are completely isolated from society, and the river carries them toward freedom. up north for jim, and for Huck, away from dad and the "sivilizing" he so dislikes. They use the river as their source of freedom, but they soon discover that they cannot completely escape from reality. The world is against them. The raft floods, the fog makes them miss the river, stolen goods, etc.
ReplyDeleteAs the book progresses though, the river plays a different role. The king and duke really affect Huck and Jim. Huck must now be ashore much more. But the river still plays a role as refuge. Even though in the beginning, the river played a role as escape from reality, at the end, we discover its a mere ephemeral form of relief.
So, I can tell everyone is mainly talking about the river concept but I had a few interpretations on the other article. From my understanding, superstition played a role in the story by emphasizing the satirical nature of the towns along the river, however, I also noticed that there were many allusions to animals like "cat nap" or "cocked ears" and a lot more other ones. I was wondering if anyone thought that these animal characterisitics helped emphasized the satirical theme by characterizing the humans through animal actions. I'll add more later, I have to drop my brother off at the gym -_______-
ReplyDeleteSo just as everyone else, I agree with the idea of how the "River controls Huckleberry Finn". Thinking about how the story would have been different if the whole adventure was on land rather than on water, life for huck would be much more chaotic. Their situation (Jim and Huck) is already hard, and they are trying to escape, so following the path of the river gives them that ease, that they are not lost in their cause. Also for everyone that had mr. olsen last year, water means change, and by following the path of the water, they are hoping to get the change in their lives. For both of them that change means freedom, for jim is freedom for slavery, and for huck is freedom from the civilized world.
ReplyDeleteAlso, throughout the book, i noticed how the idea of civilization is very much contrasted with the idea of freedom, and this becomes a major theme. Mark Twain shows his doubts about civilized society as Huck questions civilization and the morals that push people to act the way they do. I believe Mark twain is showing how the civilized society is not all that great, and that it is necesary to not conform to society's standards, and have a bit of freedom to be your own person. This can be seen in the way Huck decides to help Jim. In society, African Americans were born to be slaves, and be treated as inferior, and that was something that middle class civilized people just lived with and didn't do anything to change. But Huck chooses to go with the natural right rather than what society thinks is right, and helps Jim achieve the freedom he seeks. This may be one of the reasons that at the end he chooses to stay true to his ways and stay uncivilized. He knows what's right and doesn't need civilization to tell him.
And another thing that i noticed in this book, was that the whole story is just a big circle, Huck pretty much ends where he begins, except he has a better outlook on society, and has a better idea on what he wants.
I agree with basically everyone about the argument one whether or not "The river controls Huckleberry Finn." This statement is true, in my opinion, because throughout most of the book, Huck Finn and Jim travel along this river, with a raft or not. The river could symbolize Huck's "conscience" because the river is basically their guidance which takes them to places that help them solve their problems. Mark Twain uses the river in his book to make it more interesting and also, so it is easier. It is interesting because readers that fully understand the depth of the book will notice that on water (the river), Huck and his partner are safe from danger and everything is calm. However, on land; for example, most of the places they go to, there is usually mischief that is caused and violence. This provides another example of how the river could symbolize Huck's "conscience." To explain why I said the river could be used to make it easier for Twain to write this book was because if there was no river, Twain would have to describe the looong adventure of walking place to place, including the experiences that already happen in the book. The use of the river could be used as a tool to make the traveling of Huck more faster and sufficient, which also describes Twain's explanation of how these characters go place to place.
ReplyDeleteAnd what i say about Krizandra's interpretation of the satirical nature and how human's were characterized though animal actions, I think Mark Twain did that to add a sense of not only humor in the book, but also a little criticism. I remember hearing something about how Mark Twain lost 3 siblings before he wrote this book. I am not positive but that is what i believe i heard. Anyways, the loss of 3 siblings could have affected the way he viewed people in this book. This is just a thought... i doubt i am right haha.
I agree with T.S. Eliot's claim in his essay, "The River Controls Huckleberry Finn" that the River is the main cause of Huck's and Jim's adventures. It is "the River that gives the book its form" as Eliot mentioned. The River brings Huck and Jim to other villages for their further adventures. With the existence of the River, Huck and Jim are able to encounter such adventures as sailing during the night, docking in different villages during the day, hiding their raft, sleeping in the wigwam, stealing things from other ships and their meetings with the king and the duke, along with their near escape towards the end. Without the River, I don't think that Huck and Jim will be able to experience the many adventures stated in the story. The River plays a crucial part in the story that it carries the story forward by allowing Huck and Jim to access the lands nearby them where they sometimes interact with others. Huck and Jim, in their raft, flows through the River, which controls their journey. With the presence of the River, Huck and Jim are able to encounter many of their adventures, starting from the southern part of the Mississippi River to their destination up north into a free state.
ReplyDeleteAs part of Huck's and Jim's adventure is their failure to reach Cairo, "where Jim could have reached freedom." Because of the fog that they encountered when they were sailing the River, they missed Cairo and instead, the River directed them some place else. The River creates adventures for Huck and Jim that they also encounter the king and the duke. They were dictated to maneuver their raft to villages where the king and the duke smuggled money from the village people by way of their idea of performing in the circus. However, during this event in the story, Jim was separated from Huck. Jim was not entirely mentioned during this event and rather focused on the rascality of the king and the duke. Without the River, Huck and Jim would have not encountered the king and the duke, and also, Huck and Jim would have not been separated. With the presence of the River, Huck encountered adventures without Jim and rather led him to experience other adventures with the king and the duke. This is why I agree with Eliot's claim that the River "controls Hucleberry Finn." Another instance is when Huck was separated from Jim for the reason being that he associated with the Grangerford family. Because of the River, Huck landed to the Grangerford's territory where he experienced adventures as witnessing the feud between the Grangerford family and the Shepherdson family. Huck was again separated from Jim because of Huck's meeting with the family, which is caused by the River.
Furthermore, the River does not just lead them to encounter adventures and separate them but rather, the River also cause them to reunite after being separated from few events as when Huck associated with the king and the duke in the circus and when Huck stayed with the Grangerford household for a while. Because of the River, Huck and Jim are directed to reunite back to their raft. Without the presence of the River, I do not think that Huck and Jim can encounter each other again after a little while of separation because since Jim is a runaway slave, he would not be associating easily or rather not associating at all with Huck's real environment. Without the River, I think that Jim would be caught already and most likely have already been sold back to slavery because he would not be able to transport to other places where he can hide. The River is very significant in the story that it moves the story forward and creates adventures for Huck and Jim along the way.
All these instances of Huck's and Jim's experiences associate with the River, which I think is the one controlling the story. With that said, I strongly agree with Eliot's claim that "the River gives the book its form," in a sense that the River directs Huck and Jim to encountering their many adventures.
Yes I agree with jar. The river is indeed sort of like a conscience. He uses the river as his main source of plot movement. River=safe, and Land= danger. I guess it is a attack on society, thus agreeing with one of the elements as well.
ReplyDeleteAnd about Krizandra's animal's I too agree, because he is sort of belittling the characters when he uses animal language. I don't get why the loss of siblings would make him attack people, but I agree on the mocking tone of his usage of animal personification.
And I agree with asseret and everyone else, how the river brought on the smooth transition from adventure to social criticism. Without the river, Twain would mostlikely have had to had stopped writing this book.
(Have had to had? does that make sense?)
Anyways. And Twain is against the raicism against blacks, as stated by much of these intelligent peoples above me.
I also would like to add that water symbolizes change as my intelligent friend Nick told me earlier this year. The river(thus water) is like the epitome of change is it not?
I agree alot with aabra because she's always correct:P As asseret stated before me (because i didn't read all of the comments) , the river provides change in the story. Like we learned earlier in the year, or maybe last year, water is associated with change, and Huck and Jim are traveling along a large body of water. In Huck's perspective, Jim is just like him except of their skin color and according to Huck, he is "white on the inside." One thing i kind of found ironic was the roles of Huck and Jim while they were traveling along the river with the king and duke. In my opinion, the roles of the two change; Jim, in society's eyes, is a slave but on the raft he is a free man, and on the other hand, Huck is a free young boy, but on the raft he serves as a slave to the king and duke. I thought this was pretty ironic. The thing about this "swap", as you may call it, is that it is somewhat of an epiphany for Huck because he gets to experience firsthand, somewhat, of how slaves are treated...like dirt. Because of this, in my opinion, Huck realizes that Jim is also a human being. While i'm on the subject of epiphanies, I'd like to state what my fellow classmate Ryota mentioned during our seminar in class. When Huck is pondering whether or not to send a letter to Miss Watson about the location of Jim and himself and decides to rip it up and face the consequences is another epiphany for Huck.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing i noticed is that superstition is important in the story. Ever since the beginning when Huck introduces his superstitiousness after killing the spider, i kind of had a clue that it may be an important aspect throughout the sequence of events. For example, the things Jim said, according to his superstitious beliefs, are important in the story. Although some question that Jim's superstitiousness is a coincidence in the outcomes, I think that it is destiny and the outcomes are meant to be. In my opinion, Jim can be portrayed as a sort of God-like figure. To further enhance my portrayal, Huck was the only one who knew the real Jim and viewed him as an equal; Jesus was only really known by a handful of diciples and mainly everyone (towards his crucifiction) belittled him, just like the way society viewed slaves. What do you guys think about this (Jim being a God-like figure)?
Well if i think of anything else, i'll add to it later.
Woow what the heck! I guess i was so captivated with my thoughts about this blog and really put in alot of effort into this that a few of my colleagues have written about the same things that i have-_- well for the record, i had it first haha.
ReplyDeleteHello again! I was wondering if anyone thought that Huck was kind of a representation of Twain because in the article about the river said that Twain grew up along the Mississippi River and Huck also grew up along a river. Additionally, I think that some of the memories Twain had on the river could be portrayed by the minor obstacles Huck encountered like coming across a boat wreck or having your raft stolen. I dont know, it might not be a full on representation of Twain's life but maybe some aspects of Huck were inspired by Twain's previous experiences?
ReplyDeleteWell Mr. Uvero, I too agree with your statements. I agree with everyone's statements! Because in a socratic seminar, it is bad to disagree. I will not disagree. But I will point out some stuff that could be.. embellished.
ReplyDeleteYes, Jim could be a Jesus figure, I think that's a really clever allusion you pointed out, I never realized it. And I actually agree, cause no one realized Jim was a real person, they all looked down upon him, and I guess Huck could be correlated to his disciples. But there are other aspects as well, how Jim suddenly appears and disappears in the story. But the only thing is how Jim is a messiah figure? How does he save the world?
And Huck's interactions with the Duke and King really do help him realize first hand what being a slave is like. and it is indeed ironic as to how he escaped society to be free, but he is once again enslaved. This also shows how one cannot completely escape from one's society that they live in. This statement reminds me of an essay we wrote before.. Oh yeah Glass Meangerie! Relates to Tom(tom sawyer? O.o) Wingfields "escape" to "reality" which is all percieved.
What do you guys think about Huck's lying capabilities?
So by the look of the blog, everyone seems to agree with the article that the river. To me, I think that the river is not only the mediator of the places that the raft goes to, it also symbolizes taking a step away from society, looking at things objectively, and “cleansing” yourself. After all, it is on the river that Huck visits the various towns, which is where Twain’s satire is most clearly seen. As I was reading the story, I didn’t quite understand the need for these little anecdotes about foolish townspeople; it wasn’t until I was reminded that Huck Finn was a satire that I saw the importance of the irony. However, I do not believe that the townspeople are the only place where satire can be found. I also see cases where Twain seems to mock Jim by highlighting his naivety. I think that deep down, Jim has no African-American pride, and he longs to be white. For example, throughout the book, Jim is overly grateful towards Huck and protects him as if he is his own son, which his abusive nature towards his own daughter is later revealed. He also quickly accepts the Duke and King, and he seems to trust them. Some of my classmates may argue that Jim is simply uneducated and he has to trust people, given the precarious nature of his situation, but I don’t think that Jim is dumb, he just sees the river and his journey as a complete escape from his previous life, leaving behind his family and his home.
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ReplyDelete^^ uhh thats not me.
ReplyDeleteWhile Josh does have a point, I don’t really see Jim as a Christ figure. It’s true that Jim is the symbol of equality and realization, but I don’t think we can forget all of his flaws like leaving his family behind and being abusive towards his daughter. If I had to choose something, I think that I would say that the river could symbolize God, simply because it controls all of the stories action. The character that’s probably the LAST one that I would consider a Christ figure is Tom. In the story, Tom’s purpose is to be a test; he knew how easily Huck was influenced at the beginning of the book, and after all of his time with Jim and all of the good choices he’s made, Huck has the choice to either take Tom’s advice or to do things the way that he thinks is best. Reading about how Huck did everything that Tom dictated was a bit frustrating, especially since I had grown to like Huck after he helped stop the Duke and King from scamming the sisters. Tom was doing everything in such a roundabout way was so frustrating because none of it made sense. Seeing the Huck was letting Tom take charge again after the maturity he had gained on his journey was such a letdown, almost as disappointing as the ending. We discussed this in our classes seminar, and while a lot of us were unsatisfied with the ambiguous ending, no one could really think of a suitable alternate ending. Any thoughts?
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ReplyDelete(re-clairifying): The con artist=robbers, Huck was committing robberies and saw robberies as normal(because of tom), so....(above comment)
ReplyDelete(above comment was deleted but this was it)
ReplyDeleteIts sort of Ironic in how in the beginning Tom (When he makes the "gang") influences Huck's actions (example: commit robberies). This probably why Huck allows the con artists to assume control, even though he clearly sees that they are what they are. I also agree on the fact that Tom had a controlling image to Huck (before he became more mature towards the end) In short, yes, Tom is sort of a test; For While planning to free Jim he places to many ridiculous obstacles, while there are simpler ways. But why does Huck decide the simple route? Its because he believes in Tom.
Any1 else, or would you like more clarification?
(p.s. my above comment is actually my bottom comment)
I am so mad right now! I have to type everything out again D; I'm sad.
ReplyDeleteI agree with T.S Eliot and his argument in that the rivers natural forces set the adventure of the story. After Huck Finn runs away from his drunk of a father and meets Jim, the adventures don't start until they set off on the river. The story does not start until the two are on the river. The river is almost like an escape for Huck, keeping him away from what he wants to stay away from. The river is a freedom for Jim who is escaping slavery. Both Huck and Jim find what they are in search for on this river. The river is also where major events occur in the story, like when they meet the Duke and the King, who both made the plot awkward for me. Also, when Huck and Jim got separated from one another, it was the river that brought them together. Without the river, Huck and Jim's adventures would be non-existent. I like how the story starts off with Huck in a place where he has to follow rules and be "sivilized" before the river and he ends up in the same situation when he is no longer on the river.
In Henry Smith's article, I agree with the element of social satire he claimed the story contains. Throughtout the story, Twain made a lot of references to religion. Whenever Finn talked about religion, he was confused and said it had no matter to him. I believe that Twain wanted to create a social commentary on religion and also felt the same way Finn did about religion. Furthermore, the Duke and King represented the higher society that the majority of the community will accept no matter what they do. Twain riducules American social life in a humorous and entertaining way. I agree with Smith when he says that Twain spoke to people through the character of Huck Finn.
For the person (or persons) who is posting under other people's names, that needs to stop. Now. The reason that I'm providing this opportunity for you to post on this message board is that it will provide a safe avenue for everyone to contribute to the conversation. If it continues, I will stop giving all of you this opportunity. I know who posted as "Chris" earlier (I will speak to that person ASAP), and I will find out who did the other post as well. You have been warned. This is really Mr. Domingo, by the way.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, Mark Twain used the River throughout the story to direct them to other places where they encountered other adventures and other people, which led them to further experience a full length of journey.
ReplyDeleteFor the "Three Coherent Elements in Huckleberry Finn" essay, I also agree with Henry Nash Smith's claim that Mark Twain "did not see clearly where he was going when he began to write." In my opinion, I do not think that Twain really planned out the story because he was incorporating discoveries and instances irrelevant to the supposed escape of Huck and Jim such as the "satiric description of the society of the prewar South. Also, because Twain did not really mention anything about Huck’s and Jim’s escape until Chapter 15, I think that he certainly did not plan where he was going with the story. If he knew where he was going even before wring the story, I think that he would have introduced that Huck and Jim are in seek of escape, Jim from the actual slavery and Huck from “sivilize,” as he said in the story. In addition, Huck and Jim did not land in Cairo because of the fog that prevented them to see where they were, which gives me a sense of thought that Twain did not prepare an exact storyline for the book because if he did, then I think that he would have set Jim free from slavery. When they passed Cairo, Jim’s freedom can no longer be acquired because as it was unambiguously mentioned during the socratic seminar, they started to head back down south as suppose to go up the Mississippi River towards the free state. Furthermore, I think that Twain did not really plan the story because he made Jim disappear from the story a few times and concentrated only on Huck and other events such as when Huck associated with the king and the duke. I think that if Twain was really organized with his storyline then he would have focused on both Huck and Jim, without making neither one of them disappear until the end of the book. In this case, Twain did separate Jim from Huck in few cases such as when Huck associated with the Grangerford household and when Huck was directed to the circus with the king and the duke. I think that if Twain knew where he was going with his story, he would have mentioned Jim even though he was separated from Huck but in this case, Twain did not at all mention him during these events. Therefore, I agree with Smith’s statement that “Mark Twain had apparently not yet found a way to combine social satire with the narrative scheme of Huck’s and Jim’s journey on the raft.”
Moreover, another instance that makes me think that Twain did not plan this story is that he presents Jim to be hidden along with the raft for quiet a while. Also, with Huck, he did become a passive character to the extent that he became an observer of the events occurring in the book. I agree with Smith’s interpretation that Huck and Jim became passive characters for the reason being that the story did not fully revolve around them. Twain added the king and the duke and later the Grangerford and the Shepherdson families and focused the story on them, which makes me believe that Twain did not know where he was going with the story. I think that if he knew where he was going to end, he would have not separate Huck and Jim and also, he would not have made them have passive roles. In addition, Twain added many irrelevant instances and occurrences in the story that does not signify the escape of Jim from slavery and Huck’s escape to become “sivilize.” Mark Twain’s unplanned storyline about Huck’s and Jim’s adventures and seek to escape can be viewed by his unfocused story about the supposed escape of Huck and Jim. He does not fully emphasize of Huck and Jim but rather incorporate other insignificant discoveries that makes me believe that he did not know where he was going with the story even before he wrote it.
ReplyDeleteAll the instances incorporated by Twain that does not signify the escape of both Huck and Jim simply makes me believe that Twain did not have an exact storyline to where he was going to end with the story. With that said, I strongly agree with Smith’s claim that Mark Twain “did not see clearly where he was going when he began to write,” in a sense that Huck and Jim and their seek to escape are not fully the main focus of the story.
I agree with Samantha about how the rivers natural forces set the adventure of the story. I also think that the river is somewhat representing Huck. In the story, Huck is characterized as calm and going with the flow kind of style. Even if he had his own plans and ideas, he would still follow Tom's ideas.
ReplyDeleteWhile Huck is characterized by the river, I think Tom is characterized by the land because on the land is where they have all their adventures and excitement.
Are there any more clarifications on the importance of the river?
Oh! And while I was reading, it was hard for me to believe that Huck is only a younger teenage boy. He is so clever and witty. He was able to get out of a lot of situations like when he couldn't remember his fake name. I agree with Smith when he argues that Finn's inner conflicts take over his initial actions. His conflicts with Jim create a character of Finn that appear to be more mature and insightful. I never had the fast thinking Finn had at the age of 13 or however old he is.
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else, I agree with T.S. Eliot that the river dictates the adventures of Huck and Jim and that the river is so erratic that what is to come, like the fog that deterred the two from their passage to Cairo, cannot be easily predicted. Although many discussed Eliot’s argument of the role of the river throughout the story, I think the more interesting part of Eliot’s argument is that this novel is an “unconscious art.” Many works of literature gain meaning as they are read and interpreted by readers who thus add on to much more than what the author intended. However, I think The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn follows this case even more because, as stated by Henry Nash Smith, Twain “did not see clearly where he was going when he began to write, and we can observe him in the act of making discoveries both in meaning and in method as he goes along.” It seems like Twain did not have a set track for his story which then caused him to temporarily abandon his work for three years and ultimately change the course of his story like how the river constantly changes its course of direction for Huck and Finn. The fact that Twain had changed his initial plan of concentrating the story on Huck’s and Jim’s escape to satirizing society of prewar South (and even postwar South) shows how he had run into difficulties. So, this provides at least superficial evidence that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a literary masterpiece formed by meanings unintended by Twain.
ReplyDeleteAll three elements described by Smith relate to the themes presented in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The first and most obvious element is the adventures of Huck and Jim during their journey for freedom and the second element is the social satire of white people who Huck and Jim meet along their travel. The first element reflects the theme that racism perverts the oppressors (referring to the “superior” whites) as much as it perverts the oppressed (referring to the “inferior blacks epitomized by Jim). Although Huck and Jim begin their flight toward freedom to escape different realities (Huck runs away from the abuse of his father and the “sivilizing” of the Widow Douglas and Miss Watson, whereas Jim runs away from the brutalities of slavery), both face the obstacles and effects of living in a prejudiced, illogical society. Through Huck’s and Jim’s encounter with the two con artists, Twain satirizes the foolishness and greediness of mankind and reveals a society in which everyone is morally corrupt. After the Duke and the King act out their play, the angered audience, instead of advising others not to attend, spreads a false rumor of how exciting and engaging the play was so that others would, too, be cheated off. Twain directly expresses satire of white society through such depraved people but also subtly expresses such satire through seemingly good, pristine white people such as Aunt Sally. Although Aunt Sally is portrayed as a typical loving and caring aunt, Twain shows how even such outwardly “good” people express no concern about or disapproval of the brutalities of slavery. Rather, Aunt Sally practices such unjust practices herself by confining Jim in a cabin. The third element is the gradual maturation/developing characterization of Huck. At the beginning of the story, Huck is portrayed as a typical southern white who regards blacks as inferiors. So, he treats Jim without respect, tying Jim to a tree. However, as Huck and Jim travel together on the river, Huck begins to develop his own conscience, displacing his previous view and morals that were influenced by the rules and values of Southern society. And during this process, Huck is presented with a dilemma of whether to hand Jim in as a runaway slave or to damage his status as a white by helping Jim escape. When Huck decides on the latter, he reaches a state of maturity by being able to make his own decisions without restrictions imposed by society’s rules. Huck’s moral development represents how maturity is truly reached when one’s conscience is able to fully dictate over the mind and body.
Did anybody think that Tom is a foil character to Huck? I think this was mentioned in our period's Socratic seminar, I wasn't able to listen/understand all of it. Although they are both the same age, they have almost opposite backgrounds and personalities. While Tom is brought up in a middle class, relatively comfortable family, Huck grows up in poverty and pain. Because Tom is brought up by a typical Southern white family, he is raised to be what white men were expected to be: self-centered and adventurous. This can be seen in his dangerous/cruel escape plan. I think that Tom's plan is cruel because he knows that Jim is a free man, yet he keeps Jim imprisoned anyway just so that he can watch his spectacular plan unfold. Huck, on the other hand, learns to question higher authority and to try to look out for his friend (Jim)-something that Tom is unable to do.
ReplyDeleteYes I know, everyone agrees, including me with the fact that in "The River Controls Huckleberry Finn," T.S Eliot all the adventures in the story are caused by the river in some way. The river was the pathway for Huck Finn and Jim throughout the story. Now going back to when we read "How to Read Literature Like a Professor," water means change.. By this I believe this river was the pathway for "change". As i skimm through some of the comments there was a part of nikko's comment that caught my eye and i agreed with what he mentioned about the river.. "It makes most of the choices in the story." and i also agree on the fact that nikko states that the river is like a god guiding the characters where to go. I believe that if the river would have led Huck and Jim towards different directions/destinations the story DEFINITELY would have been different.. probably even completely different.
ReplyDelete-vanessa drouet, period 03
(wow i had this typed out like an hour ago.. and never clicked "post comment" -___-)
I agree with Han in that Huck can represent the river and Tom the land. But Huck idolizes Tom so much and do rivers really look up to anything? Tom represents the foil to Huck, being adventurous and dominating while Huck follows pretty much anyone. But was way to childish in that he tortured the majority of the characters in the end.
ReplyDeleteWhen I said he tortured the majority of the characters, I was talking about Tom ;D
ReplyDeleteI was kind of confused with the idea of the river controlling the story because when I was reading the book, I never really thought about the river being the primary reason they got into their particular situations. I kind of just overlooked it as a simple landmark or source of transportation. I forgot who I was talking to but they said the same thing. I think it could either be that we were in such a hurry to read Huckleberry Finn that we missed it or we're both kind of slow, hahah..
ReplyDeleteTo Ryosuke
ReplyDeleteI agree that Tom could be a foil to Huck. Although his physcial role is limited, Tom maintains a prescence over Huck mentally. Restating from my last comment, Huck relates some of his thinking to what Tom wold do; but when comes to saving his friend(s) (Jim), his more mature decisions begin to come around, while contrasting to Tom's "schemes"
But I could be wrong....Any one would like to add on to this?
ReplyDeleteI agree with hazelmaejimenez in that Huck was a passive character to the extent that he became an observer of the events occurring in the book. This kind of reminded me of Hamlet and how he was an inactive person that observed what was happening around him. I also agree with Henry Nash Smith's claim that Mark Twain "did not see clearly where he was going when he began to write." I think this all refers back to the river. When you are going down the river, your destination is very obscure. Mark Twain seems to center the story around the river. It was also said that Mark Twain knew the Mississippi River well.
ReplyDeleteAre there any more clarifications on the importance of the river?
on a random note: i really wish there was a "like" button for mr. domingo's comment. hahaha. just had to throw that out there!
ReplyDeleteTo Kriz:
ReplyDeleteRestating from most of the above comments and notes, the river has a "control" over the lives of Huck and Jim. (Ironically) While it gives them a sense of freedom (cause they're away from their problems), they still end up coming across criminals, families with issues, e.t.c., because of how the river "progress's" the story. In other words, while it provides sense of relief, it brings the characters and readers to unexpected situations after another
Adding to what Kriz said, the river makes the story flow and keep going. I mean, what's really gonna stop the Mississippi river from flowing. This makes the whole story flow as one. And the plot wouldn't be the same if another type of source was used.
ReplyDeleteThis story is RICH ;D ahaah.
I just wanna say that these comments are very helpful!
ReplyDeleteand (I don't know if this is here anywhere) but maybe Mark Twain wrote about what he was going through? And the reason it took him a long time was because it happened to him?
That may seem far off but I don't know I'm just making a guess!
Oh, the comment above is Nick P. Period 1 fyi.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do agree that it is the river that sets the stage for all further adventures in Huckleberry Finn, I do not agree that it dictates all the events in the book. While it is true that the river and the raft is the most common way to identify Huck Finn for most people the river is really more of the path that is needed to follow. I would certainly say that the raft/canoe is the actual reason for the advancement of the story.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with statements that since the river is a predetermined path it pretty much determines Huck and Jim's paths during the entire adventure. I agree with Smith's interpretation in the essay "Three Coherent Elements in Huckleberry Finn." The book is much more focused on the heavy use of satire to ridicule the south and the people's ignorance back then.
One more thing that i would like to add is since Huck is seen as so smart and knowledgeable while all adults in the story are portrayed as ignorant and naive. Did anyone else think that perhaps Twain was portraying his own beliefs about himself through Huck? I saw it this way as Twain was known to be very educated for his time and this is shown in his book in his constant use of satire and mockery of society and people as a whole.
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ReplyDeletenick! i agree with you about Mark Twain writing about what he was going through.. like i was going to ask a question about that in period 3's socratic seminar, but i was too shy or not sure of myself. like do you believe its possible that Mark Twain's struggles in life could possibly relate to Huck Finn in anyway? i don't know, who knows.. but that was a thought i had in mind as well..
ReplyDeleteI generally agree with T.S. Elliot's argument in "The River Controls Huckleberry Finn" on the importance of the Mississippi River in the novel. However, I can't decide whether the river symbolizes freedom or submission to destiny/God as Nicole proposed. There's no doubt that while on the raft Huck and Jim are having a pretty good time; Jim has escaped and is closer to freedom than ever before while Huck is not being "sivilized." Huck describes how good life on the raft with Jim is, looking at the stars and living "pretty high." However, the river also decides where Huck and Jim end up and eventually lands them into trouble. Perhaps the river symbolizes a bit of both, acting as a catalyst in the plot while providing Huck and Jim with a place to reflect, and freedom to a certain extent.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with Henry Nash Smith in "Three Coherent Elements in Huckleberry Finn." I had expected the novel to focus on Jim and Huck and their quest for freedom but it is obvious that Mark Twain changed his mind on the direction of the story when the Grangerfords are introduced. Not only is Jim not mentioned for a while, Twain dedicates a lot of time and detail to Huck's stay with the family and their feud with the Shepherdsons. At first I thought it was stupid to focus so much on this side story, but reading Smith's article cleared up my misunderstanding on Twain's purpose, namely to satirize Southern society as Huck stops at each town.
Out of the three elements Smith discusses, Huck's developing maturity is the one I agree with the most. While Huck's passivity is evident both at beginning and end of the story when Tom is around, by the end Huck is able to make moral judgments for himself. Huck's conscience at the beginning shows us how impressionable and confused he was, but towards the end of the story his attachment to Jim and what he experienced along the Mississippi help him justify to himself why helping Jim is the right thing to do, regardless of what society tells him about African Americans.
I would like to agree and what not to other people, but I'm too lazy to read everyone's comments -.- sooo here I go with my opinions..
ReplyDeleteStarting off with an insight, just as the river is a form of water, I can relate how the "river gives the book its form" and how the bodies of water of the earth also gives our planet its form :D This is probably overused but I still see that water symbolizes change! Once Huck was away from his father, and basically venturing around with his raft, he definitely encountered different places and people. Moreover, "a CHANGE of wind or tide may determine fortune." On a side note, I like how Huck didn't want to become "sivilized" but how I see it was, he didn't reach the point of becoming like a savage (connecting towards "Lord of the Flies) and so he was leaning more on staying civilized. It was sort of ironic that he was capable of being independent and knowing how to handle situations he came across... But anyways, I agree and like the concept of how the river is "a very big and powerful river, if the only natural force that can wholly determine the course of human peregrination." When it says ONLY, I question I had though, was: aside from the river being a control of Huck and his adventures, would the raft or any type of the transportation he used be another aspect that controlled his voyage? Hmmm.. Back to that concept, I wholeheartedly agree with this interpretation because back in the day, a way of transportation was through the waters. Like a river with a waterfall, I can imagine how it is a natural force. It's part of nature! hence the word natural haha (x The difference between a river and the other geographic landforms and such (mountains, deserts)is that a river flows throughout various parts of the world. I also am interested in the idea Eliot brought up about how Twain was once a steamboat pilot. This automatically gives a connection into how his genius self composed the book into allowing readers to realize how "the boy is also the spirit of the river." As I was re-reading over "The River Controls Huckleberry Finn" in the section of Unconscious Art, when Eliot states that Huck Finn is "the independence of the vagabond," it made me further my thinking on what I mentioned earlier about being civilized. Because of the river, I agree that Huck is more of a "pioneer spirit" rather than a "business enterprise." Overall, T.S. Eliot's argument broadened my perspective of the novel in what carried Huck Finn through 'till the end.
In both the arguments of Eliot and Smith, they accommodate and bring out the elements of "Huckleberry Finn." As a matter of fact, I believe their essays somewhat compliments each other's thoughts. I agree with Smith when he claims that the three elements are: freedom, social satire, and the developing characterization of Huck. In the element of freedom, the book does begin with how Huck wants to be more on his own and apart from the people he was associated with. Throughout the book, it's all about his adventures and the freedom he gains from making the decision to escape from his father, Miss Watson and the widow. By the way Twain brought up the Grangerfords and Sheperdson, Romeo and Juliet came to mind, which then led to the social satire purposely created. It's funny how the families died instead of the two lovers. It was total opposite but that would bring out the comedy of the novel. From the start of the novel, I began to notice that death, bad luck and violence were mentioned plenty of times. It then foreshadowed all that towards the middle and ending. Hahha but how/ why did the story have a happy ending? Well we for sure know 'cause its not by Shakespeare (x Back to the elements... I saw the character of Huck developing in the case that from the beginning he didn't quite understand christian values, but by the end of the book I think he developed them himself. Then again, I could be wrong -_- you tell me (:
ReplyDeleteBTW, I AGREE WITH SAM, THIS STORY IS RICCCCH ;D
Oh, &this would be the real junaj! [= i just forgot my pw for my other one: yawnuhp -_____- waww
ReplyDeleteIn the "Three Coherent Elements in Huckleberry Finn" its says that one of the main elements of the story was Huck running away from miss Watson's efforts of "sivilizing". I agree with this since Huck did express his discomfort towards Miss Watson's rules and expectations at the beginning of the story. Huck also mentions how he likes his past life in the outdoors and and nonscheduled life.
ReplyDeleteI find this kind of ironic since stereotypes and racism are a big part of the story because of its setting. In those times one wouldn't expect a white person to rebel against the norms and expectations that were already set for them through society. Huck is expected to act superior to African Americans and be more civilized, but he isn't. Compared to Jim, Huck is very similar as to that they are both outcasts from their stereotypical expectations.
The fact that Huck and Jim join in an adventure and treat each other indifferently towards race, breaks the norms of society at the time. That they can do this demonstrates that it is possible for both races to live peacefully together and equally. The fact that they were able to join together without conflict between race, and that they are just children shows how wrong and stupid the ideas and norms of society were.
In the book adults were portrayed as gullible and dull. I think this was another way to show how the old, already set norms were really dumb as well. this suggests that racism is dull since it was set/established by dull people. The adults contrast a lot with the young in the book since the young are more open minded, like Huck and Jim.
"The River Controls Finn"
ReplyDeleteThe river sets the stage for all the adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Rather than helping them, it's seperating them instead. It wont let them reach Cairo where Jim could reach his freedom. For example, the raft symbolizes freedom, where Jim and Huck treat eah other as equals. Regardless of Huck's uncertainty, he is willing to help Jim no matter what and treats him better than most whites do. Huck listens to all of Jim's stories which shows that he's interested and shows sympathy to him. The river refers to society in general. Whites have more superiority than the blacks do because of thier lighter skin. In the "Three Coherent Elements in Huckleberry Finn", Mark Twain had no idea about the society and it soon improved when Huck became more educated and learned about the southern society. However, towards the beginning of story, Huck rejected the concept of Miss Watson's "sivilizing". Huck would rather spend his life in the outdoors. I think that one of the key elements of the essay is freedom since the book started out with how Huck wanted to be on his own and then eventually goes on his adventures to gain his freedom and escape from everyone else.
I agree with Leana and everyone else who agrees about the river controlling Huck. Jim DID seem like a god sometimes. He seemed like he was capable of telling the future with his superstitions and stuff. He relied on superstitions yet he seemed so educated and more open minded than the whites. I also agree with leana when she says, “I think the "river" Eliot used was referring to overall society. Society overall has the power to make people conform to its beliefs.” He had more experience with the world. In my opinion, I agree that sometimes he IS acting powerful like a god because he’s around Huck (a white kid). He can order people, black people; like when Huck and Jim gopt separated at a river and Huck was invited to live at Bucks house, Jim was in a forest and he had blacks catering out his needs. He could order blacks around. Plus, with his superstitions, like with the witch at the beginning of the story, he started going around flaunting that a witch rode him around. He made himself sound powerful than the other blacks because of that event.
ReplyDeleteTo kriz: I don’t exactly remember, but the other article was criticizing the book . it said it was based on the other two people… not particularly twain. At least that’s what I believe.
To darien: I think that Huck chooses to follow tom most of the time because he’s still conflicted. He doesn’t know whether to follow white society of his own consciousness. Tom portrays society and its beliefs (always following the rules via books) Huck shows conflicted emotions and that’s probably why he follows tom all the time. Jim didn’t complain about his attempt to get free from tom’s family. He probably thought tom was white and so he was smart and knew the best way to get out so they did all that ridiculous things because they thought tom knew what he was an expert.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with "Three Coherent Elements in Huckleberry Finn" in that as the story progresses, especially soon after Huck and Jim flee the island, it becomes less about their actual adventures. I noticed that, around when Huck met the Grangerfords and Sheperdsons, Huck was merely there to describe what was happening around him, not necessarily what happened to him. This become even more so after meeting the duke and king, as the story became almost completely focused on the pair and Jim was all but forgotten. However, once Huck has had his revelation within his conscience, as mentioned in the essay, and decides to do the right thing and help out the orphan girls, readers start to see how Huck has progressed over the story and it shifts back to focusing on Huck and Jim.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I noticed about the villages Huck described while he was just the observer was that in many, the town's layout included the homes and buildings being on stilts to protect themselves from flooding. This supports "The River Controls Huckleberry Finn" because it shows how the town is influenced by the enormous river which hints at how it influences Huck and Jim's escape to freedom. With the river's flooding, it seemed like the people from the area knew change came to the river every once in a while, but, it could also be unpredictable. This is just like to Huck and Jim's life as change is imminent, but it was very unpredictable throughout the story. It also their form of freedom as they seemed safe while in their raft or canoe along the river. Even though it was literally how they were to escape up north, it was also an escape mentally from the troubles on land much of the time. And, just like some of the people Huck met along his journey, the river could be helpful, but also prevented them from achieving their original goals.