Huck Finn #4: p. 89-129

"Well, then, says I, what's the use [of] you learning to do right, when it's troublesome to do right and ain't no trouble to do wrong, and the wages is just the same?" (104).

Huck brings up a great point, yet he only defines right in a lawful sense. If he turned Jim in, he would be following the law by bringing back someone's property. Now he thinks he has done wrong for not following the law. Huck completely forgets that their is a second part that defines what is right. Huck has morally done right by keeping Jim away from those looking for him. Slavery is an absolutely immoral practice, and Huck has done what is morally right by saving his friend from the clutches of slavery. Huck's lack of knowledge in God and morality are why his definition of right and wrong are singleminded. Maybe Huck should reconsider finding heaven, for it may direct him to what is really right.

"We said there warn't no home like a raft, after all. Other places do seem so cramped up and smothery, but a raft don't. You feel mighty free and easy and comfortable on a raft" (128).

Recalling all the places Huck has been, from the cabin with Pap to the Grangerford house, Huck has never found a place he could actually call home. Pap always beat him and the Grangerfords and Shepherdsons were always killing each other; he found no peace, no freedom. As for Jim, he is a slave that is running away from Miss Watson, seeking freedom in the free states. Evidently, both Jim and Huck are on a journey down the river for freedom. Though Jim did earlier say the waters would bring misfortune, they have actually found the raft to be their safe haven. Huck and Jim always end up back on the raft with each event that occurs on the land, freeing themselves from death or more trouble. The raft has grown to become a symbol of the freedom Huck and Jim seek.

Vocabulary:

"Sometimes a stack of people would come there [...] and have such junketings round about and on the river" (118).

junketing- n. act of going or attending an extravagant trip or celebration

"There was four or five men cavorting around on their horses" (126).

cavort- v. jump or dance around excitedly