fate versus self-determination

In the early going, Huck and Jim are clearly subject to social and historical forces which are beyond their control. Jim is a slave beholden to the whims of his master, and Huck has to contend with an abusive and neglectful father, not to mention the "sivilizing" influences of the Widow Douglas and society. Neither character has much control over their destiny (these overwhelming, controlling "forces" can be refered to as "determinism," or as "deterministic forces" or even by the term "naturalism." When Huck and Jim join forces on Jackson's Island and embark on their journey down the river, they begin to exercise greater control over their fates--they begin to "self-determine" their fate and their future. By the end of the novel, the journey to self-knowledge and indepence, or from slave/object to individual subject is complete. Huck decides "sivilization" is not for him and is heading to the western territory. Jim, it turns out, is a free man who can now go and reclaim his family out of slavery. Comment on this progression as one of Twain's most important themes in the novel. How does the doctrine of human freedom (or the evil of subjugation) fit in with the author's view on America? In what ways have our most sacred documents and institutions (the legal/judicial system, the U.S. Constitution, the Dec. of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the doctrine of Human Rights, Life, Liberty, the Persuit of Happiness, etc) been compromised/trashed by the institution of slavery and by base human corruption (greed, neglect, poverty, etc.)? As you make connections to other parts of the text, consider this idea of self-determination vs. Determinism (overwhelming social forces, circumstances beyond our control) in terms of your THESIS idea.

Huck can plainly see that the orphaned girls have been wronged. In southern society young girls are percieved as naive, innocent, and vulnerable to deception. In Huck's contemporary society it is the "southern gentlemen's" duty to protect and look out for women. However the slaves' place in society does not merit protection, especially when justice involves denouncing the moral system of white supremacy. -Marley Pegler

huck

huck is a jolly old fellow doesnt know whats up but hes pretty awsome i mmean he was halarious in that last chapter when he fought off the dragons but maybe that was a diff book idk lololololol jk huck is a book about people learnin there lesson and getting a better education. huck starts off hatin blacks but now he made friend and knows that slavery is bad

You Can't Pray a Lie

In Chapter 31 Huck says "It was a close place. I took it up (referring to the note he has just written explaining to Miss Watson where Jim is), and held it in my hand. I was a-trembling, because I'd got to decide, forever, betwixt two things, and I knowed it. I studied a minute, sort of holding my breath, and then says to myself: 'All right, then, I'll go to hell'--and tore it up."
What does this say about Huck's moral development, and more to the point, what does it say about slave-holding society, that a 13 year-old boy feels he is going to burn in hell, even though he has (at least by modern standards) decided to the right thing by helping Jim go free? Why do you suppose Huck never does get it, that he has done the right thing? What is Twain's purpose in this?

Huck's Moral Development

At the end of Chapter 19, after the King and the Duke have forced their way aboard the raft, Huck says "It didn't take me long to make up my mind that these liars...[were] just low-down humbugs and frauds....If I never learned nothing else out of pap, I learnt that the best way to get along with his kind of people is to let them have their own way." By Chapter 26 Huck has seen enough (of the King and the Duke); he says, "...my mind's made up; I'll hive that money for them or bust." Later, in Chapter 28, Huck says (concerning telling Mary jane about the frauds), "...here's a case where I'm blest if it don't look to me like the truth is better and actually safer than a lie." In what way has this episode changed Huck? Why is it that Twain enables Huck to sharpen his moral sensibilty in terms of the orphaned girls, yet he still fails to see that slavery is wrong?

Boggs/Sherburn/Lynching Bee

In this section of the novel, Col. Sherburn says flatly "The average man's a coward." In what way are these scenes a commentary on society? What does it say about man's essential nature?How does the mob scene apply to Twain's broader criticism of slavery and the unwillingness of individuals to think independently and stand up for what is right, even if the views expressed are unpopular? What does Huck learn, if anything, from this experience?

Symbolism of the raft

At the end of Chapter 18 Huck says, "I was powerful glad to get away from the feuds, and so was Jim to get away from the swamp. We said there warn't no home like a raft, after all. other places do seem so cramped and smothery, but a raft don't. You feel mighty free and easy and comfortable on a raft. " What does this scene/quote say about 1) the longing for freedom and the expression of human desire, and/or how does it speak to Twain's vision of the conditions that are necessary for Democracy to thrive. You might also consider the symbolism of the raft in general. Compare the kind of relationship Huck and Jim are able to build there (transcending their differences, racial or otherwise) to the corruption found in society/on the shore. Again, how does this constitute twain's blueprint for an enlightened society?