As a coming of age character in the late nineteenth century, Huck views his surroundings with a practical and logical lens. His observations are not filled with judgments; instead, Huck observes his environment and gives realistic descriptions of the Mississippi River and the culture that dominates the towns that dot […]
Read more Character Analysis Huckleberry FinnSummary and Analysis Chapter the Last
Analysis Although Huck and Jim have both undergone changes in character, the novel returns to its beginnings at the conclusion with the Widow Douglas trying to “sivilize” Huck. The last chapter allows Twain to comment on the process of writing and the difficulty of completing Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Twain’s […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter the LastSummary and Analysis Chapters 41-42
Analysis With Tom unable to direct the plans, Huck again takes control of the story and makes decisions based on his common sense and logic. Instead of listening to Tom’s intricate plan to fetch a doctor, Huck trusts his own ability to tell lies and control the situation. Although the […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 41-42Summary and Analysis Chapters 39-40
Analysis The entire Phelps’ household is in complete disarray when the escape actually begins. In this manner, the novel has moved even further from the peaceful tranquility of the raft and the river to the chaos of society and the shore. Symbolizing the clash between Romanticism and Realism, Huck and […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 39-40Summary and Analysis Chapters 36-38
Analysis In Chapters 36 through 38, the novel slips further into the farce as neither Huck nor Jim understand why they must perform all of these ludicrous acts before Jim can escape. Ironically, Huck and Jim view Tom as a representative of society and education, and because of this, they […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 36-38Summary and Analysis Chapters 34-35
Analysis The opportunity to burlesque Tom’s romanticism and infuse humor back into the novel comes at the price of Jim’s perceived freedom. In actuality, Jim has already been set free by the late Miss Watson’s will, and readers will learn this startling fact at the end of the novel. However, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 34-35Summary and Analysis Chapters 32-33
Analysis Chapter 32 begins what could be called the last segment of the novel. Huck’s solemn narration is evident at the beginning of the chapter, when he describes the breeze that occasionally washes over the farm. For Huck, the breeze comes across as a whisper of spirits long dead, and […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 32-33Summary and Analysis Chapter 31
Analysis If Chapter 18 is the end of the first segment of the novel, Chapter 31 is the end of the second segment and one of the most important chapters in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Up until this point, the novel has wavered back and forth between the river and […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 31Summary and Analysis Chapters 29-30
Analysis The introduction of the new Harvey and William adds another element of hilarity to the con men’s inheritance scam. The contrast between the two sets of “brothers” is obvious, and the ensuing investigation underscores both the ignorance of the town and the eagerness of the townspeople to witness a […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 29-30Summary and Analysis Chapters 27-28
Analysis In Chapter 27, Twain extends his satire to the pomp and circumstance surrounding the funeral service of Peter Wilks. The dark humor of the funeral scene is evident with the actions of the undertaker and the comical interlude of the dog and the rat. When the service is interrupted […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 27-28