Huckleberry Finn, Friendship - 11.9.15

     In the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, I would characterize the relationship between Huck and Jim as a relationship beyond words. Partly for the time period this book takes place which relates to the racial difference between the two, and also for the part that they are two entirely different people. The book takes place in the 1830’s which is essentially known as the antebellum period before the Civil War when slavery, racism, and prejudice were prominent in the Americas. Another also notable characteristic about the two characters are their racial differences and the age difference between the two. Huck is a young white boy around the age of twelve (I’m assuming) while Jim is a middle-aged (also an assumption) African American with a wife and children that are also in slavery. They also have different aspirations. Huck aspires to be an adventurer while Jim just wants to be a free slave and purchase his daughter and wife out of slavery. Despite their differences of where they come from and their aspirations of this journey they still show to be great friends as seen in the quote, “Jim won’t ever forget you, Huck; you is de bes’ fren’ Jim’s ever had; en you is de only fren’ ole Jim’s got now.” (Twain 92) 

     A few things that I find surprising about the relationship between Huck and Jim are the fact that the two actually get along together. This is surprising to me because as I said before they have so many differences between one another — race, age and aspirations. One thing that I find extremely surprising about the Huck and Jim is how they are not in a panic that they are traveling further and further down south on the Mississippi river. I believe that Twain’s purpose in developing this odd friendship is to show that no matter where you come from or who you are that every person is still human and can get along even if they have a large mass of differences.

     In conclusion to this blog about the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the two characters of Huck and Jim have developed an odd yet remarkable relationship that I personally described as beyond words based on the time period that the novel takes place in. There are many surprising parts about this relationship but the final thing that Mark Twain was most likely trying to get across to his readers is that no matter who you are or where you come from you can overcome your differences and be friends.