Jim can be defined as a round character because he does change as the story progresses. Furthermore, something that slightly changes is the society’s perception of him. He goes from being the target of a joke to being perceived as a noble man by the society around him. (Schonhorn, 1968). This is noticeable in the final chapter of the novel when the doctor who came to treat the wounded Tom declares “I never see a nigger that was…faithfuller”. (Twain, 288). Huck, who has been frequently with him and has had the chance to know him better shares the same belief. Jim is a true family man. Even though we do not get to see him together with his family, suffices it to say that the main reason of him being an escapee is that he was afraid of being …show more content…
Therefore, considering his social rank, Jim is cautious around everybody, including Huck. He does not accept him immediately before reassuring that he can find the helping hand he needs and after Huck’s endeavors he concludes that Huck is the only "white genlman dat ever kep' his promise to ole Jim". (Twain, 92). This might be one of the reasons of why he behaves as a father to him in a form of reward for sticking by his side. (Shrum, …show more content…
After all, in addition to thinking about himself he had to think about his family as well and rebelling would not be convenient to attain his ends. (Chadwick- Joshua, 1998). He has no authority whatsoever and he is well aware of it. Even if he is not aware, the people around him make sure to remind him. Another thing that he is well aware of is that he is less superior than whites. This is evident in the episode when Tom and Huck let him know the escape plan and even though it does not make sense to him “he allowed [they were] white folks and knowed better than him.” (Twain, 250) His compassionate nature is apparent when he prevents Huck from seeing his father’s dead body. Similarly, he demonstrates his loyalty and selflessness toward his friend, Tom. Although he struggled throughout the novel to gain his freedom he is more than willing to give that up just so that he can provide assistance to a doctor to give Tom the necessary treatment after he has been wounded. As Matthew points out, Jim represents “the essential simplicity and kindliness and generosity of the Southern negro”. (as cited by Robinson, 1988, p.361 in The Characterization of Jim in Huckleberry