Up until the 19th century, people were segregated into separate groups based upon race, color, or religion. Throughout the novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Jim acquired a unique relationship with Huck. He took it upon himself to get to know Jim better as they sailed along the Mississippi River. At this time if one was caught associating with a black slave it was greatly frowned upon. Before the 19th century, whites were considered superior, and personal experiences changed their views on minorities; seeing the kindness in people over power.
“I didn’t do him no more mean tricks, and I wouldn’t done that one if I’d knowed it would make him feel that way” (Twain 87). After Jim and Huck got separated from each other because of the fog,
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He stopped to think about what if he did not tell Miss Watson where Jim was and help him get his freedom instead. In the 19th century if one was caught helping a slave escape to freedom, it was greatly frowned upon. “It would get all around, that Huck Finn helped a nigger to get his freedom; and if I was to ever see anybody from that town again, I’d be ready to get down and lick his boots for shame” (Twain 213). Society planted this image into Huck’s head, because if he were to help the runaway slave escape, he would be the laughing stock of the town. His head told him to care about what society thought of him, but his heart told him he should help Jim reach his …show more content…
While Huck may have changed his perception of Jim, he may not have changed his view on all African American slaves. With Huck still being a kid, he has to grow up and decide what he wants to believe is right and what is wrong. Dunbar on the other hand changed his way of thinking towards most minority groups. Dunbar saw that the race, skin color, or religion did not matter. He believed you have to get to know the person and see the good in certain minority groups, unlike most people during the 19th