What is the significance of the significance of the passage "Conscience says to me, "What had poor Miss Watson done to you that you could see her er go off right under your eyes and never say one single word? What did that poor old woman do to you that you could treat her so mean? Why, she tried to learn you your book, she tried to learn you your manners, she tried to be good to you every way she knowed how. THAT'S what she done.
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/huckfinn/
Read the different sections carefully, especially the sections on characters, quotations, and analysis of the chapter where this appears.
The passage you've mentioned is from Mark Twain's novel, "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." In this particular passage, Huck Finn's conscience is questioning him about his moral responsibility towards Miss Watson, a wealthy woman who had owned a slave named Jim. This raises the broader theme of the moral conflict between societal norms and personal beliefs.
To fully understand the significance of this passage, it is essential to read the entire novel. However, I can provide an analysis of this specific excerpt.
Huck Finn's conscience is appealing to him by asking, "What had poor Miss Watson done to you that you could see her er go off right under your eyes and never say one single word?" This question challenges Huck's loyalty and empathy towards Miss Watson, as she had been kind and caring towards him. The phrase "that poor old woman" further emphasizes her vulnerability and potential mistreatment.
Furthermore, the passage highlights the role Miss Watson played in Huck's upbringing. She had attempted to teach him to read and to have manners, in her own way. The phrase "she tried to be good to you every way she knowed how" suggests that Miss Watson genuinely cared for Huck's well-being and wanted to guide him towards a proper education and moral upbringing.
The significance of this passage lies in its depiction of Huck's internal struggle. He is torn between the societal norms of that time, which condoned slavery, and his own conscience, which questions the morality of such an institution. This questioning sets the stage for Huck's eventual decision to help Jim escape, indicating his growing understanding of the wrongness of slavery.
To fully appreciate the significance of this passage, it is recommended to read the entire novel, as it delves deeper into the themes of racism, empathy, and morality presented in this excerpt.