Huck Finn Post 2

The relationship between Jim and Huck throughout the novel is that of a father and son. They depend on one another to make their way north and it is evident that they also care about each other’s safety. “Come in, Huck, but doan’ look at his face- it’s too gashly.” (Twain 57). When Huck and Jim stumble across a dead body Jim looks out for Huck’s wellbeing as a father would. Jim cares about Huck’s wellbeing and does not want to see him get hurt. Jim teaches Huck many different superstitions, some of which are true. Jim told Huck that it was going to rain based off of what he saw the birds doing. Soon after, Huck said, “Pretty soon it darken up, and begun to thunder and lighten; so the birds was right about it,” (55). Jim’s knowledge of the wilderness earns him Huck’s respect and loyalty.

When Huck and Jim are discussing the story of King Solomon Huck says, “‘But I tell you you don’t get the point.’” Then Jim replies, “‘Blame de point! I reck’n I knows what I knows,’” (82). Although Jim is reluctant to change his mind Huck is still able to teach him things. Huck and Jim depend on each other in order to survive. Jim needs Huck to stay loyal to him and not turn him in to the authorities before he can reach his freedom. Huck needs Jim because Jim knows more about survival in the wilderness that Huck does. Though they are codependent Jim still acts as a father figure for Huck because Huck has never had a male role model that he could trust. Jim does need Huck in order to make his way to freedom, however it is also clear that he does not just care about Huck for purely selfish reasons. Huck and Jim have a paternalistic relationship in which the mutually support each other in order to make it through their journey to freedom.