What is Huck's attitude toward Jim at the beginning of the novel? Is Jim portrayed as an individual or a type? Defend your answer.
What does Huck's father criticize about the "govment"? What does Twain want the reader to feel about these issues?
How is this for the 1st question....
Huck treats Jim as if he is property rather than an individual. Huck has a racial attitude and is completely careless about what happens to Jim. He shows no respect toward Jim just because Jim is black. Jim is treated as a stereotype by Huck and by many other Caucasians in Huck’s community who believe that all slaves are a piece of property, don’t deserve any rights, and should be treated badly.
I just need to know what Huck does in the beginning of the book to prove that he shows no respect toward Jim.
ok, I think what Huck does is that when Tom tells him what he did to Jim, Huck doesn't feel bad for Jim and tells stories about him that make him sound crazy. He also calls him "er" several times, yet non-slave characters are referred to respectfully.
For the second question:
Huck’s father criticizes the “govment” about taking Huck away from him. He doesn’t believe that they should take away his son when he has had “all the trouble, all the anxiety, and all the expense of raising.” He criticizes the “govment” because he believes that they do not give humans enough rights. He sarcastically calls the government “wonderful” when he complains that the “govment” decided to let a black guy vote one time and he also complains that he can not legally be sold into slavery until he has spent six months in Missouri.
All I need to know now is What does Twain want the reader to feel about these issues?
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/huckfinn/
Be sure to read through the Context section, as well as the section called Analysis of Major Characters.
=)
How does Mark Twain depict Huck Finn in ways that make him a believable, realistic character?
In the beginning of the novel, Huck treats Jim as if he is property rather than an individual. Huck's attitude towards Jim is characterized by racial prejudice and a lack of empathy. He shows no respect towards Jim simply because he is black. Huck's treatment of Jim reflects the common stereotypes and prejudices held by many Caucasians in Huck's community, who view slaves as mere pieces of property without deserving any rights or humane treatment.
To prove that Huck shows no respect towards Jim, there are several instances in the novel. Firstly, when Tom tells Huck about the elaborate plan he executed to free Jim, Huck doesn't feel any remorse or sympathy for Jim's situation. Instead, he tells stories that portray Jim in a derogatory, ignorant, and crazy manner. Additionally, Huck refers to Jim using the racial slur "er" multiple times, while non-slave characters are referred to respectfully.
Regarding the second question, Huck's father criticizes the "govment" for taking away his son. He believes that they should not separate him from Huck after all the trouble, anxiety, and expense of raising him. He sarcastically refers to the government as "wonderful" when mentioning that they allowed a black man to vote once, and complains about a regulation that prevents him from selling himself into slavery until he has spent six months in Missouri.
In terms of what Twain wants the reader to feel about these issues, it is important to consider the context and Twain's intentions as an author. Mark Twain wrote "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" during a time when slavery and racial prejudice were prevalent in America. Through Huck's journey and his evolving attitude towards Jim, Twain aims to critique the racist attitudes and societal norms of his time. Twain wants the reader to question and challenge the injustice and dehumanization that was associated with slavery and the mistreatment of African Americans. By highlighting the flaws and hypocrisies of Huck's society, Twain prompts readers to question and reflect upon their own prejudices and societal conventions. Ultimately, Twain seeks to promote empathy, understanding, and equality among all individuals, regardless of their race.