First Impression

My theme is enslavement and freedom which can be seen throughout the novel various times. The main character, Huck is enslaved first by society and Pap. It is only when he runs away with Jim that he feels freedom on the raft. However, my impression on the book isn't a very good one. I believe it is because there is not climax so far. They're just traveling and meeting people but nothing is really happening. It was only until I got my theme that I started really focusing on each little detail. For example, Huck and Jim meet these two men who claim to be a king and duke. Huck figures out they are lying but decides to not say anything because of Pap. The values Pap instilled in Huck remain and still affect the way Huck behaves. This can be seen as enslavement. For freedom, both Jim and Huck say they were relieved upon being in the raft. They felt safe and away from the rules of society which is their freedom. It was interesting to see these two examples. Then when Buck kills a man, the crowd decides to lynch him. However, Buck says that the people are cowards and are only planning on killing him because one person suggested it. In a way the people were slaves of cowardice because in the end. They all scramble out of his property. Even Huck leaves. I feel the book is now more interesting than the beginning causing the events now to seem much more significant to me. I've also noticed Huck has matured more. He doesn't see everything as a game as when he did with the snake prank. He apologizes to Jim admitting it was difficult to do so and now thinks of Jim's safety. Even when he looses Jim and has to stay in a very nice house, he doesn't act out and lies quite well in order to keep himself safe. I think Huck has made great progress. also, Miss Sophie was a slave of the conflict with the Shepherdsons but eventually gains freedom by running away with her love. It was sort of cute even though I'm not into dramatic romance novels. I'm hoping for the future there will be more growth in Huck and more freedom than slavery. I also hope Jim finds his wife and children because if not, I will be very mad. But overall, the novel isn't boring and I believe I can learn a lesson from it.

Andrea

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