Breaking the Mold: Jim in Huck Finn

Many characters in literature have helped express views on racism. The subject of racism is one that transcends all mediums of entertainment. Radio, television, movies, and books have all touched on the subject. Racism is a topic that is sensitive to most, but affects all. In the 1800s, things were no different. A country divided on the subject provided much commentary on the matter, both for it and against it. Mark Twain wrote The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn during this era, and he, like may others, used literature to convey, and express his views on the subject. At the time, the character of Jim, a black runaway slave, was the item of expression for Mark Twain. Many black characters at the time embodied the stereotypes of slaves. Jim, however, was different. In the novel, Jim goes through several events that help construct his mental, personal, and emotional quality as a black character. In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the character of Jim is used to break the stereotypes of the average black man and slave at the time.