Analyze The Changes In Huckleberry Finn's Life

Despite Huck’s original intentions, by the time he finds a person and is about to turn Jim in he realizes that he can’t do it (Twain 112). Jim is never aware of how much of his future Huck controls. In this way Jim is portrayed as the average ignorant slave that most Americans would have expected at that time. Twain also gives Jim some other roles like that of a freedom, fearing slave, to combat the expectations of that time (Hyejin 2). Growing up in the South, surrounded by the everyday use of slaves, Huck has been trained to accept the concept that black men and women are the property of the white man. Once Jim begins to flaunt the audacity that was coming with his freedom, all the years of tradition come back to Huck and make him feel
that although he was doing the morally right thing, he was actually committing a grave societal deed. As Huck neared the boat of the white man he was going to expose Jim to, he realized that even if Jim shouldn’t be free, it wasn’t his right to tell on him. Acknowledging the sentiment that he might care for Jim, Huck came up with a quick lie so he could save his new friend and continue on their journey, down the river, together. After the long journey though the novel Huck offers readers one last sentiment as he endeavors into his dream.
Following Tom’s admission of Jim’s freedom, and Jim’s admission of seeing Pap dead, Huck realizes that his situation has changed. His last thoughts are, “But I reckon I got to light out for the Territory ahead of the rest, because Aunt Sally she’s going to adopt me and sivilize me, and I can’t stand it. I been there before”(Twain 296). Part of the reason The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn set the stage of American literature were in its final moments. People didn’t want to have to focus on the problems, so instead they “lit out for the territory.” The desire to pursue other roads was also present in other great novels, like Uncle Tom’s Cabin (Smiley 361). With the knowledge that this journey had ended, Huck grasps that he will have to make some decisions for his future. Acutely aware of Aunt Sally’s outreaching offer, Huck quickly notes that he will not be staying with her. Instead he will be pursuing his dream of living with the land, without the burden of rules, and civilization. Huck’s last message was something all of his readers noted. It was a beacon for those who wished to follow, and live their American
Dream. Through Twain’s use of the American Dream he displays its impact on 19th century life. Not only did Twain exemplify the effects of the American Dream, but he also impacted the American Dream. "Mark Twain remains as central as ever not only in American literature but in American life"(James M. Cox).