In chapter 36-40, Tom takes over the role as an authority
figure for Huck. Tom tries to complicate Jim’s escape because he wants to live
up to the heroic role in his many books. He loves adventures and feels his way
is properly done. Although, Huck has a more sensible and quicker way for Jim’s
escape he does what Tom’s wants. Tom helping Huck is actually preventing Huck
from continuing his pathway to adulthood.
In chapter 41, Huck returns to the house without Tom. Aunt Sally
is worried that Tom will not show up. In addition she doesn’t want Huck looking
for him. Aunt Sally grief is clearly shown in this chapter. Huck blames himself for Aunt Sally’s becoming grief-stricken.
Taking on that responsibility makes him feel bad as well. Thus he obeys her and
thinks “laws
knows I WANTED to go bad enough to see about Tom, and was all intending to go;
but after that I wouldn’t a went, not for kingdoms.” Huck is beginning to show his maturity once again. I believe
it has to do with Tom not being in his presence. As a result you can see that Tom
is an anchor to Huck’s development.
In chapter 43, Tom
admits and Aunt Polly confirms that Jim was already free. If I was in Huck’s
position I would be upset after doing many challenging tasks just to free a man
who was already free. It was just an exciting adventure that Tom always dreamed
of. Huck didn’t dawn over the fact that this was a waste of time. He just
accepted everything that has happened. He was very grateful that Jim is free and
that Tom feels better. In my opinion Huck finally reached adulthood.
2 comments:
Aliyah! I totally agree with you when you said "Tom tries to complicate Jim’s escape because he wants to live up to the heroic role in his many books. He loves adventures and feels his way is properly done." I think Tom is definitely immature because he always tries to make games out of everything instead of just getting the job done. Throughout these chapters, it seems as if Huck is more about finding a solution for Jim's escape then just having an adventure, proving his maturity.
Aliyah, in your blog you referred Tom as an "anchor to Huck's development" and strongly supported your opinion. However, I believe Huck still continuous to grow morally with or without Tom's presence. In various chapters we saw how Tom and Huck clashed in thoughts mostly due to Huck’s conscious and maturity. Also when he lets Tom lead the escape of Jim, Huck learns about Tom's ideal way of breaking out of prison and sees the poetry behind it. I believe Huck shows more of a strong leadership without Tom's presence but with Tom he is more of an observer who listens, thinks and learns.
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