Huckleberry Finn Characterization

Characterization The process of conveying information about characters in narrative or dramatic works. Presented by means of description, through their actions, speech or thoughts. Setting is important in establishing a novel and a narrator’s voice. Consider how elements of place are revealed in the opening chapters. How do these elements help develop the voice and characters of Huck, Tom, Jim, and others?

Characterization Huck “She (Widow Douglas) put me in them new clothes again and I couldn’t do nothing but sweat and sweat, and feel all cramped up” (2). “Then she (Miss Watson) told me all about the bad place, and I said I wished I was there” (2). “I got up and turned around in my tracks three times and crossed my breast every time: and then I tied up a little lock of my hair with a thread to keep witches away” (3). What do these pieces of characterization show us about Huck? 1. That he isn’t used to formality, perhaps because he is still a child, and can’t stand fancy clothes. 2. That he has a temper sometimes and says things he probably shouldn’t. He can be defiant. 3. He is supersticious.

Characterization Miss Watson “Don’t put your feet up there, Huckleberry” (2). “Don’t scrunch up like that, Huckleberry – set up straight” (2). Huck says, “Miss Watson {is} a tolerable slim old maid, with goggles on…” (2). Huck says, “Miss Watson kept pecking at me, and it got tiresome and lonesome’ (3). What does this characterization show us about Miss Watson? She’s a nag. She wants to raise Huckleberry as a proper young gentleman. She’s unmarried and can’t see well.

Characterization Jim ‘Say, who is you? Whar is you? Dog my cats ef I didn’ hear sumf’n. Well, I know what I’s gwyne to do. I’s gwyne to set down here and listen tell I hears it ag’in” (5). “Jim always kept that five-center piece around his neck with a string, and said it was a charm the devil give him with his own hands” (6). “Jim was most ruined for a servant, because he got all stuck up an account of having seen the devil and been rode by witches” (6). What does this characterization show us about Jim? His language tells us he is uneducated and is consistent with an African American (slave) dialect common along the Mississippi River during the time Huck Finn was written. He is superstitious. He considers himself above other slaves and doesn’t do his job very well, considering he believes he has special powers/insights (has seen the devil.) Read the scene introducing Jim. Discuss: Is Jim stereotyped? What is Huck and Tom’s assumption about Jim before they get to know him?

Characterization Tom Sawyer “Tom made everybody swear to keep the secret” (7). “Tom says: Now, we’ll start this band of robbers and call it Tom Sawyer’s Gang” (7). “Stuff! Stealing cattle and such things ain’t robbery; it’s burglary” (8). “Well, Ben Rogers, if I was as ignorant as you, I wouldn’t let on. Kill the women? No: nobody ever saw anything in the books like that. You fetch them to the cave and you’re always as polite as pie to them; and by and by they fall in love with you, and never want to go home any more” (9). What does this characterization show us about Tom? He wants to be in charge, he wants people to see him as smart (he reads books). He doesn’t understand the books he reads though (kidnap women and they fall in love with you?) He’s mischievous.

Direct Characterization Telling (directly) what the character is like explicitly. Used most often in 3rd person narration Josh hates ferrets. Ever since he was attacked by a ferret when he was 4 years old, he has deplored the animal.

Indirect Characterization Showing (indirectly) what the character is like through thoughts, descriptions and actions Used most often in 1st person narration Josh said, “Ferrets are ugly with their pointy little noses and beady eyes. They smell, too. Why would anyone want them as a pet?”

Characterization The main purpose of the first three chapters of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is to begin to characterize Huck Finn. How does Twain establish Huck Finn as a mischievous rascal? Give at least one direct and indirect example. In what ways is Huck different from the other boys in the gang? Present your argument and evidence to your teacher to receive credit for this lecture. Your response must include at least two examples, one of direct characterization and one of indirect characterization. You must cite your page number and directly quote your example. Write a sentence or two explaining what the characterization shows the reader about Huck. Do not use the same examples as your neighbor; duplicate examples will not be awarded credit.