Conflict with races & Genders (jamie taylor)
This novel takes place in a time of slavery when blacks were considered inferior to whites.Throughout the story, the social views on racism are clearly noticeable in the relationship between Huck and Jim. Even though Huck refers to Jim as a [N word] he still sometimes treat him as his best friend. For example, when the authorities asked Huck if his friend was black or white Huck says, "I didn't answer up prompt. I tried to, but the words wouldn't come. I tried for a second or two to brace up and out with it, but I warn't man enough – hadn't the spunk of a rabbit. I see I was weakening; so I just give up trying, and up and says:"He's white" (116). This shows that Huck values Jim's friendship and he does not want to give him up to the authorities. Another example of Huck valuing Jim's friendship would be when Huck says, "When I waked up just at daybreak he was sitting there with his head down betwixt his knees, moaning and mourning to himself. I didn't take notice nor let on. I knowed what it was about. He was thinking about his wife and his children, away up yonder, and he was low and homesick; because he hadn't ever been away from home before in his life; and I do believe he cared just as much for his people as white folks does for their'n. It don't seem natural, but I reckon it's so. He was often moaning and mourning that way nights, when he judged I was asleep, and saying, "Po' little 'Lizabeth! po' little Johnny! it's mighty hard; I spec' I ain't ever gwyne to see you no mo', no mo'!" He was a mighty good nigger, Jim was"(201). This proves that Huck is starting to believe that blacks have feelings just like white people, and that Jim is a truly good friend.
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gender roles (miranda gray)
As for gender roles, during this time era (before the civil war) women were typical house-wives who kept the house clean, watched the younger children who did not go to school, and put meals on the table. Men, on the other hand, were expected to go to work or even sent to the army. Both genders, however, were expected to go to church, use proper manners, and be very civilized. This is recongized in the novel by Miss Watson and widow Douglas. Huck explains, "The Widow Douglas she took me for her son, and allowed she would sivilize me; but it was rough living in the house all the time, considering how dismal regular and decent the widow was in all her ways; and so when I couldn't stand it no longer I lit out. I got into my old rags and my sugar-hogshead again, and was free and satisfied" (2). Civilization, education, and prop etiquette. is important in the Adventures of the Huckleberry Finn. :D