Huckleberry Finn: An Archetypal Hero

Change does not occur immediately, it happens through time. In Mark twain’s novel, Huckleberry Finn, the reader journeys along, unfolding the truth about this time period and the reality of slavery. Therefore, the author uses the main character Huck, to demonstrate the ability to change. He use Huck’s experiences and adventures throughout the story, to develop Huck’s character over time not only by the challenges he faces, but the decisions he makes during them.

At the beginning of the story Huck has to endure the cruel and harsh environment that surrounds his entire life in order to transform into an archetypal hero. Huck is faced with the challenge of his abusive and alcoholic father who is not pleased with Huck’s choices “You're educated,

“Pretty soon he gapped and stretched himself, and hove off the blanket, and it was Miss Watson’ Jim. I bet I was glad to see him”. Huck’s attitude towards finding Jim, demonstrates the type of person Huck is, friendly and benevolent. It also shows the difference between him and other people during that time, especially since the right thing would have been to turn him in. Furthermore, the finding of Jim would be the start of Huck’s transformation into an archetypal hero. The readers start to see Hucks opinion and point of view develop when he finally discovers Jim’s true feelings. “I didn’t do him no more mean tricks, and I wouldn’t done that one if I’d a knowed it would make him feel that way”. Huck grew up his whole life watching slavery, not knowing the wrongs from the rights. However, he starts to understand that even though African Americans weren’t treated the same, that they still feel the same way as white people. It also demonstrates his empathy towards Jim, developing a sense of care towards him. Soon afterwards, Huck has the opportunity to get rid of Jim when he encounters some men approaching him. Instead Huck decides to protect him, a slave, by telling him to hide under the raft. “What’s that yonder?” “Do you belong on it” “Yes, sir” “Any men on it” “Only one sir”(90). The situation that hassles Huck whether or not to

“All right, then, I’ll go to hell… And for a starter I would go steal Jim out of slavery again”(215). Though Huck feels he’s doing something right, back then people would have saw this as a crime. Thus, demonstrating his relationship and bond that he creates with Jim throughout their adventures and journeys. Not to mention his attempt to save Jim, characterizes Huck as a hero. However, an obstacle is put forth when Huck realizes Tom is coming to visit his family. Then I say to myself, spose Tom Sawyer come down on the boat?- and spose he steps in here, any minute, and sings out my name before I can throw him a wink to keep quiet?”(225). Huck pretending to be Tom Sawyer realizes the situation and quickly is able to think on the spot to avoid Tom ruining his plan. Hence demonstrating Huck’s willing to do whatever it takes, no matter the circumstance to save