The literal movement from one place to another adds greater meaning to works of literature. Mark Twain’s The Tales of Huckleberry Finn is no exception. The protagonist and his companion’s physical journey deeper into the South contains heart-racing adventure that plays a central role in the novel. Throughout their journey, Twain progressively has Huck and Jim’s relationship grow from acquaintances to true friends from the obstacles they face.
The beginning of the novel takes place in Huck’s hometown in the South. The town itself consists of its usual characters. The town drunk, the gang of mischievous boys, and obviously it has its fair share of slaves. Huck and every other town member has been raised to believe that slavery is not bad or good, that it is just a way of life. Huck, considering his age, is more innocent because he does not realize how immoral it is to own human life, that no one should have that power. Also, there is no conflicting thought to challenge their way of life. There are no abolitionists campaigning in their town to let these people go. Huck regards all of the slaves as another, but less significant, part of his world. In chapter two of The Tales of Huckleberry Finn, Tom and Huck are sneaking out and play a nasty little trick on Miss Watson’s slave Jim. The saw Jim as an opportunity to have fun, not a way to demoralize the slave in any way. As the story progresses, Huck’s opinions on slaves begins to gradually change as well.
