Huckleberry Finn Family Structure

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, written by Mark Twain, is a book about a boy’s adventures down the Mississippi River with a run-away-slave. In the book, the boy, whose name is Huck, is seen with three different family structures; the Widow Douglas, his father Pap, and the run-away slave Jim. Jim is the best family for Huck because of numerous reasons. First, the Widow Douglas lives a life that is not preferred by Huck and it is one that does not suit his personality. Second, Pap is an alcoholic, racist, and abusive father who puts Huck’s life in danger. Third, Jim not only takes care of Huck and he challenges him to decide what Huck’s morals are, therefore allowing Huck to find his identity. The Widow Douglas is one of the few mother figures in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. She becomes the guardian of Huck after he makes a deal with Tom. Huck explains, “But Tom Sawyer, he hunted me up and said he was going to start a band of robbers, and I might join if I would go back to the widow and be respectable. So I went back” (Twain, 1). This quote conveys the reason Huck agreed to live with a family he did not want to be a part of. This family structure is not the best for Huck because the Widow Douglas is determined to civilize him. She wants him to obey the strict social rules of the upper class, go to church, and

These are the Widow Douglas, Pap, and Jim. Jim is the best family structure for Huck because he provides a life that suits Huck's individuality while still caring for him. The Widow Douglas is the second-best option because even though she lives a strict and civilized life she still provides care for Huck. Pap is the worst option for Huck because he constantly puts his life in danger whether he is drunk or sober. We should keep in mind all the applications this book has to offer as we reach adulthood and ultimately