Below is an essay I've written last summer about one of my most favorite characters of all time. I feel that I should post it here because he was a vital part of the irony exhibited in Mark Twain's satire. Although his portrayal may seem offensive like the use of the 'n' word, it's superficial compared to the kind of character he is throughout the book and the values he represents.
Analysis of Major Characters: Jim
Out of the darkness from the human heart, there is kindness layered in the nature of men and women alike. In a world of corruption and outbreaks of violence, people can forget at times that peace still exists around the corner. Countless characters from a variety of media are reminders of this positive influence, but Jim, a creation by Mark Twain, is one extraordinary literary figure. Without him, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn would never have been a masterpiece.
Like everyone else, Jim is naturally a dichotomy of superficial impressions and his inner character. Initially, this tall African slave introduces part of his wide superstitious knowledge, and his seemingly gullible character makes him appear silly or even buffoon-like. His witch’s theory in Chapter 2 suggests such exaggerations. In contrast with the stigma of stereotypes, however, his remarkable nature unravels as events propel the storyline. Throughout most of the novel, Jim reveals his endearing side with Huck and willingness to help others in need. Full of joy when reuniting with Huck, Jim “lit out...for [him] with both arms spread” and “was “so glad [he] was back” (Twain 207) after the boy evaded the con-men in Chapter 29; clearly, their relationship strengthens with every mishap the comes between them. Since he relies on his superstitions, Jim naturally uses intuition and logic to impart his wisdom with Huck. The boy’s friendship with this man allowed him to see that “he was [al]most always right” and “had an uncommon level head” (79)
Of course, Jim’s controversial stereotypes make him seem simple, but this exterior has a purpose for Twain’s theme. Numerous usage of the ‘n’ word led to the banning of the book a month after its publishing. In addition, the general portrayal of African slaves through literal dialect and minstrel show stereotypes further indicates the book’s alleged racism. What people failed to see was the sheer irony implemented to illustrate the absurdity of slavery. If taken the time to thoroughly understand the novel, readers can see that many of the liars, murderers, lynchers, and so on were Caucasians; in juxtaposition, Twain occasionally refers to Jim with the ‘n’ word “to emphasize the irony of a society in which the only true gentleman was held beneath contempt.”[1] Furthermore, Huck even remarks that he “‘knowed’ [Jim] was white inside” (276) as the man was trying to find a doctor for the wounded Tom.
Certainly, Jim’s ambitions and views of life makes him a wise father-figure. Along with Huck, he seeks freedom but more specifically to carry out his plans for buying back his family. Indeed, Huck could sense that his friend “was thinking about his wife and his children, away up yonder” (158) in Chapter 23; because of his homesick moment, he is able to connect with the readers as a family man longing for this reunion. The wisdom that contributes to his father-like quality is acquired from his superstitions, a form of observing the natural world around him. As a slave, his upbringing substantiated into his belief his status to the white ethnicity as well as the many misconceptions typical of this time period. Hence, he’s seldom to speak boldly of the deception, cruelty, and hypocrisy while in the mercy of others. In fact, he refrained from pointing out the nonsense of Tom’s plan in Chapter 36 because he supposed they as “white folks...[knew] better; so he was satisfied, and...would do...all just as Tom said.” (250)
Undeniably, Jim embodies the qualities necessary to dispel the conceits of humanity or at least to promote the concept of impartiality. Twain successfully created a rhetorical story by utilizing his ironic themes through the significant relationship between Huck and Jim. Needless to say, this beloved character has touched the hearts of many and illuminates as a beacon of our better selves.
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Works Cited
Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. New York: Barnes & Nobles Classics, 2003
[1]Hentoff, Nat. “Expelling ‘Huck Finn’”. Insight. Jewish World Review. 29 Nov. 1999
http://www.jewishworldreview.com/cols/hentoff112999.asp
