Chapters 14-16

This forum is for the discussion of Huckleberry Finn, Chapters 14-16.

Chapters 14-16:

We start of with Huck reading to and teaching Jim, similar to how Tom used to teach Huck.

This set of chapters looks directly at the moral incompatibilities that Huck has about slavery. He has been taught that slaves are the property of their owners and assisting in freeing them is the same as stealing. He now knows Jim and sees in many ways as a man, and so struggles with the idea of treating him as property. This moral indecision lasts until Huck is faced with turning Jim in, and he realizes that his own moral reasoning should be as powerful or more than the morals of the white society he was raised in.

We also have a chance to view slavery from Jim's perspective, as he opens up in a way now 'that he never would have before he was so close to freedom.' He talks about family and friendships that allow us and Huck to see him as a human not just property.

Could we possibly see Huck as a slave in his situation. He is treated as bad as a slave by his father. He could possibly have empathy for Jim instead of sympathy.

Very good point Marti!

I thought it was intresting that Huck was in a quandry about what was right or wrong with regard to Jim running away. he came within an ace of giving him up at least twice. Your point is good, marti, you'd think that Huck might make the correlation between himself and jim/slavery, though Huck could always 'get away' and walk freely among other men, which jime could never do.

You are right Karen.