Weather In Huckleberry Finn
Alexis B, Dylan B, and Adonis A
Summary
Weather plays a major role in the novel Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. Why would a writer such as Mark Twain signify storms throughout Huck's journey with Jim down the river? Weather not only establishes setting, but it also sets the tone of an event or occurrence in the book as well as foreshadows events to come. There are several instances in which weather played a role in the happenings of the story.
Instance
On the second night of Jim and Huck’s adventure towards freedom they encountered thick fog while on the river that left them visually impaired and mentally disoriented. Twain did not add this without reason and it was not only to enhance the setting, but to make it more suspenseful.
Device
Appeal
Analysis
Instance
“The fifth night below St. Louis we had a big storm after midnight, with a power of thunder and lightning, and the rain poured down in a solid sheet...The lightning showed her very distinct….Well, it being away in the night and stormy, and all so mysterious- like, I felt just the way any other boy would a felt when I see that wreck laying there so mournful and lonesome in the middle of the river. I wanted to get aboard of her and slink around a little, and see what there was there. So I says: ‘Le’s land on her, Jim.’” (Chapter 12)
Device
Appeal
Analysis
Twain added this storm to show the confusion and conflict Jim and Huck had not only with each other but within themselves. Again Huck was conflicted with the thought of helping Jim become free of slavery. Also he was conflicted with what people were doing in their towns and how people were so willing to kill others because of petty feuds and conflict. Also this storm foreshadows trouble and danger that lays ahead the two’s journey that would be unavoidable and must be endured by the two if they desire the freedom they coveted. Lastly the chaos that Jim and Huck have experienced and are yet to experience can be symbolized by this storm In all the storm represents the struggle that Huck has faced and will continue to face while trying to stay true to his morals.
Instance
“Directly it begun to rain, and it rained like all fury, too, and I never see the wind blow so. It was one of these regular summer storms. It would get so dark that it looked all blue- black outside, and lovely; and the rain would thrash along by so thick that the trees off a little ways looked dim and spider-webby; and here would come a blast of wind that would bend the trees down and turn up the pale under-side of the leaves” (Chapter 9)
Device
Appeal
Analysis
Instance
In chapter 20, Huck and Jim are traveling on the boat and encounter a storm. Huck is on watch during the storm and is drenched in water multiple times during the trip.
Device
Appeal
Analysis
Why does Mark Twain signify weather?
Discussion Question
Citations
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“John And Maus : Storm.” by megatruh on DeviantArt. Web. 17 Nov. 2015. <http://megatruh.deviantart.com/art/john-and-maus-storm-412484378>
Konnikova, Maria. "Is Huckleberry Finn's Ending Really Lacking? Not If You're Talking Psychology." Scientific American. Blogger, 5 Oct. 2012. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. <http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/literally-psyched/is-huckleberry-finns-ending-really-lacking-not-if-youre-talking-psychology/>.
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Twain, Mark. “Tom Sawyer &Amp; Huckleberry Finn.” (2012): n. pag. Web.
Whitt, Stephen. "Huck and Jim." Symphony. Wordpress, 7 June 2013. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. <https://stephenwhitt.wordpress.com/2013/06/07/huck-and-jim/>.
Whitt, Stephen. "Part Six- Ahab and Huck." Symphony. Wordpress, 8 Oct. 2012. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. <https://stephenwhitt.wordpress.com/2012/10/02/part-six-ahab-and-huck/>.