Journal Response #2: Question #2, Huck and Jim's Discussions

During discussions with Jim, Huck respects Jim’s input on life, while also contributing his own views and beliefs. It is evident during these discussions that Huck views Jim as his equal, and actually considers Jim’s ideas. When Huck first finds Jim on Jackson’s Island, he even admits, “ I was ever so glad to see Jim. I warn’t lonesome, now” (Twain 35). Clearly Huck appreciates Jim’s company, and is not bothered by Jim’s different background and race. In addition to this, Huck is not concerned by the fact that Jim is a runaway slave, and does not mind assisting Jim in escaping slavery. Huck informs Jim that “People would call me a low down Abolitionist and despise me for keeping mum- but that don’t make no difference. I ain’t a-going to tell, and I ain’t a-going back there anyways” (Twain 36). Evidently, Huck values his relationship with Jim more than any of his obligations to society. 

During discussions with Jim, it becomes apparent that Huck has actually learned from past experiences. It appears that Huck has learned to create elaborate scenes and stories from Tom. When Huck creates ideas, he constantly compares himself to Tom and what Tom would have done in the same situation. For instance, when Huck sees the sinking steamboat that the robbers attacked, he informs Jim that Tom Sawyer would not have passed the opportunity to approach the scene: “Do you reckon Tom Sawyer would ever go by this thing? Not for a pie, he wouldn’t. He’d call it an adventure- that’s what he’d call it; and he’d land on that wreck if it was his last act” (Twain 50). Huck has clearly been influenced by Tom’s sense of adventure, and as a result Huck suggests that he and Jim act boldly in situations. 

During conversations with Jim, Huck listens to Jim’s superstitions, yet decides for himself whether or not he will actually believe in these ideas. During one conversation, Huck denigrates Jim by claiming that the superstitions are wrong. Previously Jim had made a prediction that Huck would receive bad luck, since he touched a snake’s skin. However, after the two runaways receive good fortune by finding a house boat full of provisions, Huck questions Jim’s superstitions, and accuses Jim for making false assumptions. However, later Huck is forced to praise Jim for his superstitions, because the two runaways do experience bad fortune. After Jim is bitten by a rattlesnake, that was the mate to a snake Huck had killed, Huck is forced to accept Jim’s superstitions. Huck realizes that there is truth to a few of Jim’s superstitions, and agrees to not handle snake skin again.

Overall, it is evident through their discussions, that Huck and Jim treat each other as equals and offer various ideas to each other. They may not always agree with each other, however they consider each other’s ideas and look out for one another.