Introduction
The "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain's brought about divisive opinion since its publication. The book details an exciting narration of Huckleberry Finn running away from home to encounter exceptional moments. However, the allegations of racism in the context, for instance, Jim, Finn's friend being referred to as a "Nigger" has brought about a divisive topic particularly among the whites and the blacks in America. A majority of readers claim the author is a racist, for instance, by examining how the author details various ways that black people were mistreated. Some readers appreciated the work of Twain and felt that he was taking a positive step towards addressing racism, and as such, they explain the author intent was misunderstood. As such, they have maintained that the author is nowhere close to being a racist. The understanding of Twain's artistic intention can be enhanced by observing the close relationship between Jim and Fin. As such, this paper will examine how Twain addressed racism by examining the relationship between Finn and Jim, as explained in the novel.
How the Novel Has Addressed Race
The author addresses racism through Jim and Huck quick friendship. After Huck escaped from his home, he flees to Jackson Island where he finds Mrs Watsons's slave Jim living on the same Island. Huck finds Jim fled after hearing Mrs Watson's intention of selling him to a slave trader. On the other hand, Jim was equally surprised after seeing Huck since he thought he was dead. The two instantly disclose their escape stories and form their friendship. Huck later returns to his hometown, disguising himself as a lady to collect some news. During this period, Huck questioned a woman learned that the main suspect of his murder is Jim and Pap (his father). The woman confidently informed him that he believed that Jim was hiding in Jackson Island, which made Huck act quickly by heading back to the Island and fleeing the Island together with Jim (Twain, 2003). Therefore, the author has used their ability to form a quick, strong friendship by illustrating how happy they are with each other despite having different colours. The author furthers addresses racism by showing how significant they valued their friendship through instances when Huck helps Jim flee the Island after discovering he was being sought for his murder.
The author has also addressed racism when he narrates Finn discarding his earlier prejudice to help Jim flee from slavery. Through the story, readers can see Jim's plight as a prolonged problem for Finn. For instance, he had an ill feeling about Jim's struggles for freedom. The conflicted emotion at some point made him see Jim is inferior and often thought Jinn was overstepping his place by trying to free. As such, the writer invites readers to observe Finn's contrasting features and to query his racial uniqueness. However, Twain inspires the readers to keep it in mind that Jim and Finn shared experiences with Duke and the King. Their ill intents turn on Finn when they sell Jim to gain a higher reward from Mrs Watson. As such, Finn acts immediately to rescue Jim (Twain, 2003). The author, therefore, shows Finn transition towards tolerance which helps readers see that he viewed Jim as a valuable individual worth of his help and who did not deserve the slave status. Tom Sawyer accompanied Finn during the rescue where Sawyer ends up wounded. However, Jim risks recapture by deciding to look after Sawyer, which shows his humanity rather than a racial stereotype. Therefore, the author has addressed race through Finn, and Sawyer attempts to rescue Jim due to their high regard for humanity. Besides, racism has also been addressed through Jim act of humanity.
Lastly, the author has addressed racism through Huck Finn character. Finn comes from southern states where the act of slavery and racism was more intense. In chapter 16, Finn lied that Jim was white to two slave hunters who were against the law (Twain, 2003). In chapter 31 further, when Finn decides to rescue Jim out of slavery, he is unconcerned whether the act is considered good or bad (Twain, 2003). Since Finn is the main protagonist in the story, his tolerance helps readers understand racism as wrong, unfair, and that Jim sufferings should be viewed as individuals suffering in wretched circumstances. On the other hand, Jim character has been used to indicate Twain as the minors’ voice against racism.
Conclusion
Twain has successfully addressed racism in his novel "The adventures of Huckleberry Finn" though his work has often been misunderstood due to the language used in the context. As discussed in this document Finn and Jinn ability to form a quick and robust friendship, Finn willingness to rescue Jim from the slave traders and the characters of Jinn illustrates different ways that the authors have adopted to address the rampant racial activities at the time of writing. Outstandingly, the author used Jim a slave and a black man to represent himself and other minor voices in the society in the fight against racism.
