I want to analyze how Huckleberry Finn‘s attitude towards Jim changes in the course of the book. I will try to find out, whether Huck really refuses the racist attitude of society. Huckleberry Finn starts out with a racist attitude, which changes in the course of the story. The termpaper will clarify in which way his belief changes.
I will show how Huck speaks to and about Jim. Furthermore, I will show how he behaves towards Jim. Another question that will be discussed is in how far Huckleberry Finns racist mindset is influenced by society. Therefore it will be helpful to understand the view and opinion of the society he is surrounded by. Throughout my termpaper, I will also take a look at the general attitude of society at the point of time the book is placed. Furthermore, I will show the racist believes of the society and their cruel behavior towards black people back in these times.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Definition of the terms 'racism' and 'nigger'
- 2.1. Racism
- 2.2. The term 'nigger'
- 3. Huckleberry Finn's change of attitude
- 3.1. Society
- 3.2. Jackson Island
- 3.3. Raft
- 3.4. Grangerfords' house
- 3.5. Wilks' and Phelps' farm
- 4. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This term paper analyzes the evolution of Huckleberry Finn's attitude towards Jim throughout Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The primary objective is to determine whether Huck genuinely rejects the prevailing racist attitudes of Southern society and how his beliefs change over the course of the novel. The analysis will examine Huck's verbal and behavioral interactions with Jim, exploring the extent to which societal influences shaped his racist mindset.
- The impact of societal racism on Huckleberry Finn's initial views of Jim.
- The development of Huck's relationship with Jim and the subsequent shift in his perspective.
- The contrast between societal norms and Huck's evolving moral compass.
- The complexities of racism and its representation in 19th-century American society.
- The use of the term "nigger" in the novel and its historical context.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the central thesis: an examination of Huckleberry Finn's evolving attitude toward Jim, focusing on whether he ultimately rejects societal racism. It uses a quote from Smith (1984) to highlight Huck's rejection of conventional Southern morality, outlining the paper's methodology, which involves analyzing Huck's words and actions towards Jim, and considering the influence of societal racism on his perspective.
2. Definition of the terms 'racism' and 'nigger': This chapter provides a terminological basis by defining "racism" as unfair and violent behavior based on race and exploring the highly offensive historical use of the word "nigger." It highlights the word's prevalence in Twain's novel (213 times, according to Arac, 1997) and discusses differing interpretations of its usage, contrasting its historical pejorative meaning with its potential function as a synonym for "slave," as argued by Leonard (1992). The chapter also touches on the historical context of slavery and racism.
3. Huckleberry Finn's change of attitude: This chapter examines Huck's evolving relationship with Jim across different settings. It begins by establishing the racist environment in which Huck was raised, observing the casual acceptance of slavery within his community. The chapter tracks Huck's interactions with Jim on Jackson Island, on the raft, at the Grangerfords' house, and at the Wilks' and Phelps' farms. Each setting represents a stage in Huck's changing perception of Jim, progressing from initial prejudice to growing respect and affection.
Keywords
Racism, slavery, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huckleberry Finn, Jim, societal influence, moral development, changing attitudes, racial prejudice, 19th-century America, the term "nigger."
Frequently Asked Questions: Analyzing Racism and Moral Development in Mark Twain's *The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn*
What is the main focus of this academic paper?
This term paper analyzes the evolution of Huckleberry Finn's attitude towards Jim throughout Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The primary objective is to determine whether Huck genuinely rejects the prevailing racist attitudes of Southern society and how his beliefs change over the course of the novel. The analysis examines Huck's verbal and behavioral interactions with Jim, exploring the extent to which societal influences shaped his racist mindset.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores several key themes, including: the impact of societal racism on Huck's initial views of Jim; the development of Huck's relationship with Jim and the subsequent shift in his perspective; the contrast between societal norms and Huck's evolving moral compass; the complexities of racism and its representation in 19th-century American society; and the use of the term "nigger" in the novel and its historical context.
How does the paper define "racism" and the term "nigger"?
The paper defines "racism" as unfair and violent behavior based on race. It addresses the highly offensive historical use of the word "nigger," highlighting its prevalence in Twain's novel and discussing differing interpretations of its usage. The discussion considers both its historical pejorative meaning and its potential function as a synonym for "slave," acknowledging the historical context of slavery and racism.
How does the paper analyze Huckleberry Finn's changing attitude towards Jim?
The paper tracks Huck's interactions with Jim across different settings: his upbringing in a racist environment, their time on Jackson Island, on the raft, at the Grangerfords' house, and at the Wilks' and Phelps' farms. Each setting is examined as a stage in Huck's changing perception of Jim, showing his progression from initial prejudice to growing respect and affection.
What is the methodology used in the paper?
The paper analyzes Huck's words and actions towards Jim, considering the influence of societal racism on his perspective. It uses quotes from scholarly sources to support its analysis and interpretation of the novel's themes and language.
What are the chapter summaries provided in the preview?
The preview includes summaries of an introduction establishing the central thesis; a chapter defining "racism" and the word "nigger"; a chapter detailing Huck's changing attitude towards Jim across various settings; and a conclusion (not detailed in the preview).
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Racism, slavery, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huckleberry Finn, Jim, societal influence, moral development, changing attitudes, racial prejudice, 19th-century America, and the term "nigger."
What is the overall objective of this analysis?
The main objective is to analyze whether Huck Finn genuinely rejects the racist attitudes prevalent in 19th-century Southern society and to trace the evolution of his beliefs and moral compass throughout the novel.
- Quote paper
- Celina Glueck (Author), 2011, The change of Huckleberry Finns attitude towards Jim throughout Mark Twain’s "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/491919
