Sunday, May 13, 2012

How would you compare and contrast Jim and Pap in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?

Let's start with an obvious similarity for comparison: both are men. Beyond that fact, the contrasts outnumber any comparisons that might be made. For instance, while Jim is kind, compassionate, and able-minded, Pap is a lousy drunk who abuses Huck when he grows intoxicated. And while both men could be considered "father figures" for Huck, Jim is actually the one who shows the boy what true, honorable manhood looks like. Pap, on the other hand, gives Huck a dose of reality -- he proves that not all men are industrious, well-meaning people like Jim.

A more obvious physical contrast between the two characters is that of race: Pap is caucasian, while Jim is an African-American. Ironically, in a time that looked down upon "negroes" as inferior and ignorant, Jim proves to be both intelligent and strong.

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