[H] Gemma: Chapters 14-16

In chapters 14 through 16, racism is a very significant theme. Although it is a theme that is distinct throughout the novel, I feel that it is really brought to the surface in these three chapters. Beginning in chapter fourteen when Huck discusses that Jim “had an uncommon level head, for a nigger” because of the fact that he didn’t want to continue on any more risky “adventures” for fear of anything bad happening to them. My question is: do you think that by Huck saying that Jim is smart “for a nigger” he is complimenting him, or insulting him?

Something else that was noticeable in chapter fourteen was Jim’s maturity level, or the way Huck projects Jim in his narration. For instance: “I read considerable to Jim about kings, and dukes and earls, and such…Jims eyes bugged out, and he was interested.” Do you think that the way that Jim is reacting to stories makes Jim appear more like a curious child than Huck should be acting?

Huck’s story telling generated some quarrelling between Huck and Jim. When Huck and Jim quarrel do you think it has to do with race differences, or because they are getting tired of being around each other, or do you feel there is another reason why they are bickering? On page 58 we see the beginning of their quarrel which I interpreted developed into who was more knowledgeable than the other, and although it would seem that Huck is more knowledgeable than Jim does it seem as though towards the end of the argument on page 60 the argument is leaning towards the side of Jim? Is this apparent stupidity all an act put on by Jim? If so why do you think it is an act? Does this argument regarding language have a deeper connection to Huck and Jim’s different races or do you think that it’s just a difference in opinion?

In chapter 15 Huck tries to confuse Jim and convince him that he was dreaming on page 63 when Jim questions Huck about where he had disappeared to; Huck replies: “gone away? Why, what in the nation do you mean? I hain’t been gone anywheres. Where would I go to?” Why would Huck do this to Jim, and then at the end of the chapter admit the truth to Jim after “warming up to a nigger.” Do you think that this lie will do anything to their relationship, and why after all of that effort would Huck revoke his lie out of pity?

In chapter 16 Huck struggles with an issue that he has with himself concerning his conscience and why he took Jim with him when he ran away. Has Huck had issues with his conscience before? Is this a reoccurring theme that we have seen or will see more in the following readings or is this just a glitch in his conscience? When Huck is confronted by officers why does he decide to side with Jim? Is this for the good of Jim or the good of Huck as well? Might that influence his decision? Why does Huck keep struggling with his conscience throughout this chapter? Does this say anything about Jim and Huck’s relationship and their individual motives?