Why Hucks Uses the Term

[mjha...@crimson.ua.edu]

Matt Harris
8/27/09


Why Huck Uses the Term


Huck still uses the word “nigger” at novels end, but not towards
Jim. He has become Jim’s friend, and that is why he helped to set him
free. Also, and I strongly believe if Huck would of thought of Jim as
a “nigger”, then he would not of helped to set him free. If you look
at page 279 they say the word Jim multiple times when they are trying
to figure out a plan.
Although, Huck does use the term “nigger” on occasions is when he is
talking about other African-Americans. One of the benefits why Huck
does this is, is so that no one will expect that one of his best
friends is in fact an African-American. A prime example where Huck
uses the word “nigger” would be on page 270 in the middle of the
fourth paragraph. It states, “just then, the nigger woman steps onto
the passage, and says misuses, dey’s a sheet gone. This statement
clearly is a description of a female African-American slave, and the
only difference between her and Jim is that; Jim is a guy, and has
been on an adventure with Huck, but other than that there is no
difference between the two.
If Huck would not of been judged for calling all African-Americans by
their real name, then I believe he would of done that. Unfortunately,
back in those days this kind of respectable behavior was just unheard
of, but surprisingly enough the doctor had some character. On page
289 in the last paragraph, the doctor explains to the guards they
should not be any Harsher on Jim for his good deeds that he showed
towards Tom; while still being a “runaway nigger.”