"Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain

Critical Response

Although the “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” can be seen as a fun fictional story, it is quite easy to see that author Mark Twain uses the character of Huck to explore and communicate some of his own ideas and possible struggles with the typical American view of ethnicity during his own time period. Huck’s inner-struggle concerning his assistance in Jim’s freedom as a slave is a definite theme throughout this tale.

Twain starts off his work by explaining his use of the various dialects and how he worked at differentiating between them “pains-takingly” (1244), which certainly makes the audience feel as though they are right with Huck and Jim on their adventure. The words of Huck are made to appear more educated than the slavery dialect, although as an unruly boy in a time of self-discovery at age fourteen (1312, footnote 8), Huck’s style of communication helps the reader to identify with the true personality of this growing boy who is torn between worlds of what society says is right and what Huck knows to be true in his heart.

At one point in the story, Huck has decided it would be right to turn Jim in and has feared that he won’t be able to live with himself if doesn’t do just that (1306). However, when Jim excitedly speaks of being on the edge of freedom – “Jim won’t ever forgit you, Huck; you’s de bes’ fren’ Jim’s ever had; en you’s de only fren’ ole Jim’s got now” (1306), Huck’s mind changes quickly and he knows reporting Jim cannot be the right thing to do after all.

Later, when the raft turns over and Jim and Huck cannot find each other, Huck decides to stay with the Grangerford family. It is here in this house that it seems Huck does a lot of thinking about slavery and the way people treat one another in general, despite their ethnic background (for example, the Shepherdson feud (1319)). Twain seems to poke fun at the way these families treated one another, especially when he tells of the Sunday sermon Huck attended where both families were present (1320). Huck seems to take this time to enjoy the way he can bond with the family and temporarily put aside his troubles with how he should handle his conflict of helping to free Jim. After a serious turn in the feud, however, Huck feels as though all of this is to blame on himself, and has a reunion with Jim by help of one of the Grangerford’s slaves (1321). After seeing Jim again and having some time to think and sort things out (most likely incorporating the poor effects prejudice could have on a man and his life, despite the color of his skin), Huck finally makes it up in his mind about how his life will be. He takes a paper with a note that he could send to Jim’s owner to turn him in and thinks about what to do with it.

“I took it up,” Huck explains, “and held it in my hand. I was trembling because I’d got to decide, forever, betwixt two things, and I knowed it” (1384). Huck tears up the paper, and then he decides that if he is going to save Jim once and for all, he might as well do anything “worse” than that as well, “because as long as I was in, and in for good, I might as well go the whole hog” (1384).

As one reads this adventure story of Huckleberry Finn, it quite clear that there is more to the tale than a simple fictional story about a couple of friends on a raft. Twain uses a boy as the main character who is on the brink of manhood, perhaps as a way of showing how youth were not quite as set in their ways and could see outside the lines of treatment of people different than themselves, and be courageous enough as Huck to ask, “why are things this way and what if they could be different?”

I originally read this story January 30, 2006, but was beginning to feel IC symptoms and unable to respond at the time. This is my first response to the story after re-reading it to refresh my memory.

"Up From Slavery" by Booker T. Washington

Cricital Response

Washington's speech and his following views on the progression of the African-American race were extremely thought-provoking. A theme throughout his speech was the idea of taking immediate action despite the doubt of a positive outcome. He used the metaphor, "Cast down your bucket where you are" (1623) to demonstrate this theme, as a sailor puts a bucket in salt water and brings up fresh water instead. Washington encourages his audience to not be set in their ways of how they view ethnicity. He calls for a higher standard, in which people can cast their buckets down "by making friends" (1623) from people of all ethnic backgrounds.

Washington continues his faith in people to cross these human-set boundaries by foretelling of a time when all aspects of lives will be "interlaced" and "the interests of both races one" (1624). Washington strives for justice for all races and envisions a time where all will cast away their preconceived notions about ethnicity. He describes this as "a new heaven and a new earth" (1625).

Washington's values and integrity are revealed throughout his writing. He knows the significance of coming into contact with others through literature, conversation, and traveling (1627) and dedicates his life to teaching African-Americans who otherwise would not have had an opportunity to learn. Also, Washington explains the importance of keeping quiet when he was criticized and condemned for his views.

Although much praise and admiration can be given for Washington's actions and ideals during his time period, it is interesting to note that his ideas on the unity of people with different ethnic backgrounds are slightly skewed. While he urges for African-Americans to live up to their rights and freedoms, he seemed to readily accept and be proud of schools, newspapers and the "coloured people" (1627) as a whole being segregated from the white community. In this and Washington's certainty of his truth being absolute, exploring the criticism by Du Bois and others is essential to balancing the positive and negative aspects of Washington's beliefs and actions.

Originally turned in on February 6, 2006

"Because I could not stop for Death" by Emily Dickinson

Personal Response

This poem immediately reminds me of my past struggle with depression, as she describes 'death' as a man who has come to pick her up for a carriage ride. Countless times, I had visualized my struggle as a carriage ride.

The contrasts are great, however, as my carriage was for life. She seems to be speaking of death in a physical sense and my 'death' was a death occurring inside of me, where I was straining to enjoy life at all. My carriage did not have a driver, and the horses pulling it were running at full speed. I had fallen out of the carriage but was still hanging on by this worn and tattered rope. The exasperating rope. It had to be there, I wanted it to be there, and as much as I hated it at times, I could not force myself to cut it off. It drug me face down on the dirt path and I often wondered why I bothered to hang on at all.

Sometimes I would feel like if maybe just maybe the horses would slow down and the carriage could roll to a stop, I could dig the rocks out of my wounds and brush some dirt off my face and clothing, readying myself for another ride - this time in the carriage.

Or maybe the horses could break off, running away and leaving me alone in a stationary carriage. This option seemed less adventuresome but ultimately safer. At one point in the ride I chose this option. I'm not sure how or when. It didn't seem to happen quickly, or gradually, but neither, if that's possible. Everything seemed 'neither' on that carriage ride.

Eventually, the neither-ness faded and the carriage ride seemed more appealing. I knew I could fall out again. It still scares me that I might. But the idea that I have a chance to ride the carriage at all, fall or not, seems to be all that matters.

Originally turned in on January 22, 2006

For My Make-Up Work

Mr. Moore -

I thought this might be a good way for me to have all of my work in one spot, keep it organized, and allow you to be able to comment on my posts and be aware of my progress. We'll try it out and see how it works - just let me know what you think :)

P.S. You'll notice the labels that are part of this blog. Once I have more posts up, you can click on different types of labels so you can see all of one type of subject, such as "Critical Responses" or whatever.

P.P.S. If you decide it would be easier to have me send you Word documents, I am totally happy to do that instead. That way you can edit certain parts of my work or comment on specific areas. Or we can do both, so we have one place for all the work but you can use Word to add your feedback instead of Blogger. Just whatever you want to do is fine with me.