Question

Read the excerpt from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain then answer the question:

"Then I jumped in the canoe and dug out for our place, a mile and a half below, as hard as I could go. I landed, and slopped through the timber and up the ridge and into the cavern. There Jim laid, sound asleep on the ground. I roused him out and says: 'Git up and hump yourself, Jim! There ain't a minute to lose. They're after us!'"


In at least 150 words, explain how this excerpt signals a change in Huck's way of thinking in the story.

Answer 1

Mark Twain's use of river and shore scenes in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn highlights a change in Huck's thinking as he takes on a more mature perspective, acknowledging the societal issues intertwined with the natural environment of the river.

Step-by-step explanation:

The excerpt from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain shows a pivotal moment in Huck's development, reflecting a shift in his moral values and sense of responsibility towards Jim. Initially, Huck's journey on the river represents a search for freedom from society's constraints and a celebration of nature. However, this scene marks a transition in Huck's thinking as he prioritizes Jim's safety and their bond over the individualistic freedom he once sought.

The river, previously a symbol of idyllic escape, becomes a site of complex moral decisions as Huck recognizes the social injustices represented on the shore. This understanding is compounded by his actions in warning Jim about the danger they face, signaling Huck’s growing awareness of the societal issues they cannot simply float away from. It's a moment that blends the river's natural environment, where Huck once found solace, with the social reality of the time, as he begins to engage with rather than evade the world's problems.

Mark Twain uses the river and shore scenes to comment on American ideals, notably through passages that illustrate nature's relationship with society, where Huck encounters human corruption intertwined with the natural beauty. The shift in Huck's character and worldview is vividly portrayed through the interaction of these elements, demonstrating Twain's skillful use of setting to advance character development.

Answer 2

I believe the critical note between the two characters occurs in response to this incident. Huck has just left town and returned to where he and Jim had made camp. If you look closely at the wording, you'll see that Huck is well aware the trackers (slave hunters) are only concerned with Jim's whereabouts......... this is the moment Huck truly casts his lot in helping Jim escape rather than turn him in. There's no longer a question here, and although moral convictions will continue to plague Huck at certain times throughout the course of the novel.......... Huck means what he says when he excitedly says, "They're after us!"

Step-by-step explanation:

have a good day take and be safe