Father-Son Relationship.

Jim and Huck are not related but the relationship between the two shows something different. When Jim and Huck are together on the island, the two grow fond of each other’s company. One would even protect the other from things that should not be seen to spare one’s mind. “It’s a dead man. Yes, indeedly; naked too. He’s ben shot in de back. I reck’n he’s ben dead two er three days. Come in, Huck, but doan’ look at his face- it’s too gashly” (Twain 57). Jim does not want Huck to see the dead body because Jim is afraid of how Huck would act. Huck might get freaked out or scared by it. Jim did not want to take the chance of that happening to Huck. Without showing it, Huck respects Jim’s decision and does not insist on seeing the dead body. Without making it obvious, Jim and Huck both care for each other more than the other cares to admit or even realize.

Now that Jim and Huck have spent some time together, feelings of being together are starting to become more comfortable. Huck and Jim are now starting to accept each other. Huck and Jim now have company whereas before neither had someone to be with. “Well you wouldn’t ‘a’ ben here ‘f it hadn’t ‘a’ ben for Jim. You’d ‘a’ ben down dah in de woods widout any dinner. An gittin’ mos’ drownded, too; dat you would, honey” (Twain 56). Jim is taking care of Huck  and helping whenever possible. Jim cares for Huck as a father would care for a son or a family member. In a way or another, Jim is letting Huck know in a hidden way that help is always there when needed and that’s exactly what Jim tries to do. Jim tells Huck all about the superstitions and to stay clear or bad things will happen. Jim does not have to tell Huck about the superstitions but Jim does because he is showing care. “Goodness gracious, is dat you, Huck? En you ain’ dead-you ain’t drownded-you’s back ag’in? It’s too good for true, honey, it’s too good for true. Lemme look at you chile, lemme feel o’ you. No you ain’ dead! You’s back ag’in, ‘live en soun’, jis de same ole Huck-de same ole Huck, thanks to goodness” (Twain 87)! When Jim finally finds Huck after the two had gotten separated, Jim shows Huck the care and attention that any father would give. At this moment, Jim was acting like Huck was his son. Jim was so happy to see Huck not hurt or dead and that Huck was alive and well. Whether Jim and Huck show care in a small way or a way that stands out more clearly, Jim and Huck both share a relationship worth keeping. A father- son relationship that could help Jim and Huck make it through the journey.