How are you interpreting Jim? What meaning does he take away from the characterization of him in the text? Is he an example of a minstrel? Is his characterization contributing to double consciousness?I guess I interpret him as a very uneducated human being, he is some what shy and curious and somewhat friendly. He is very superstitious and seems to know a lot about the world around him meaning his surroundings and having to fend for himself. He seems really frightened by other people that are chasing after him, but finds Huck. He seems like he is in dire need of a friend, someone to understand him and accept as a human being rather than just what people see him as. He seems to talk a lot but I think that it's just because he is very lonely. I can see him as a ministrel show for sure because of his race and how he is seen by other people. Granted he doesn't dance around and act all happy, but many see him as another stereo typical thing rather than a human. He is mostly seen for his skin color rather than his personality which is a example of a minstrel show. I think his character is contributing to a double consciousness because of how is seen to many and how he see's himself. He seems to have a decent heart and concern for others and that is what most people do not get to see. I believe he views himself as a decent human but is also aware that there are many that see him as that stereo typical minstrel.
Jim is someone that can be viewed many ways. He is seen as a stereotype, a criticism or a joke. I think the fact that he is viewed in so many ways shows that he is a vastly complex and controversial character.
ReplyDeleteim glad yhat you emphasized what a decent heart clemens writes into the character. Deep, caring and selfless. Not the sort of thing we'd expect from a stupid, minstrelized clown. I think thats one thing that clemens was telling us, at a time when people were debating whether african americans were even human at all.
ReplyDeleteI think Jim is a very complex character. I think he wants to find a way to change his life, to break the restricting around his life; but at the same time he is having a deep believing about his life. As he is a slave, he probably has only a little education or even no education, so lots of things for him is confusing and hard to find out the answers. His thoughts are against the points of the white people at that time. So I also think Jim is complex, but he also clearly and strongly stands for the slaves at that time.
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