This is a final essay for the novel Huckleberry Finn. My response had to include the plot, the author, the style of writing and theme. In this novel, Huckleberry Finn, the main character, and his friend Jim, a runaway slave, demonstrate two different kinds of freedom. NOTE: THIS IS THE EDITED VERSION
Mark Twain's successful sequel to the book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, is the book, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The book chronicles Huck's adventures as he travels down the Mississippi River. Along the way, Huck is joined by a runaway slave named Jim. Through these character, two main themes are revealed; friendship and freedom.
Huck sets out on his adventure in order to escape from his father. His father is a drunk who physically abuses Huck and attempts to steal his money. Huck runs away in order to gain freedom from the abuse.
After running away, Huck sets up camp on Jackson Island. He soon discovers he is not alone. He discovers Jim, a runaway slave, sleeping in the woods. Jim is on the run from his owner because he overheard that he is scheduled to be sold and sent to New Orleans. Huck and Jim become traveling companions and friends. This is important because this story takes place in the south during the mid-1800's, when slavery was acceptable. The fact that a white boy and an African-American man have formed a friendship is uncommon.
Toward the end of the book, Jim is captured and imprisoned on a plantation owned by Tom Sawyer's aunt and uncle. Huck risks getting into trouble and goes there to attempt to free his friend. Here, Huck is reunited with another friend, Tom Sawyer. Together, they make elaborate escape plans. Huck and Tom eventually free Jim. As Huck, Tom, and Jim flee, Tom is shot in the leg. Jim risks his freedom in order to help Tom. After receiving Jim's help, Tom repays Jim for his help by admitting that Jim's owner has died, and in her will, she had granted Jim his freedom. This information, along with the fact that Jim helped Tom when he was wounded, convinces Tom's aunt and uncle to free Jim.
Huck and Jim wish for freedom throughout The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Huck gains his freedom from his abusive father and is free to finally experience a real-life adventure. Jim also gains his freedom. He is freed from slavery and becomes a free man. The themes, freedom and friendship, are very important in Twain's sequel.
