Huckleberry Fin #3

When I first thought through whether or not Huckleberry Finn fell under the title Blugersoman all I saw looking through the story were characters who show no dynamics for change. When I look at a character like Huck I, as the reader, expect to see dynamic change in his character to reveal that he has some how learned from his adventures and reached maturity, yet, I instead see a boy who repeatedly commits the same acts falling back again and again. Yet there is a struggle that occurs within Huck’s mind that encompasses the struggle of society at the time. And though I don’t see dramatic growth, instead I see moments in time where he does indeed make the right decision or when he sees things more clearly. Yet overall his changes and growth lie in the same plane never truly advancing from where he starts. When we compare Harry with Huck when considering their growth as characters we see in Harry lasting changes that seem to build upon themselves, where as Huck seems to fall back to where he began and learn again. With this I see Huck possibly representing the changing society in which he lived. The uncivilized in fact representing civilization.

Huck and Jim

When one first glances at the two characters sitting on a raft, lazily traveling down the river one believes them to be quite different; one a tall black man and the other a short thirteen-year-old boy. Yet there are similarities between Huck and Jim that surpass these obvious differences. The instant connect comes when they both unite in running away from society as it were, and as their friendship builds it becomes apparent that they fit together quite well as they journey through society invisibly. Both are running from the civilized world for in their minds it is a harsh and unjust world. Both being mistreated and abused within ‘civilization’ they connect with the feeling that comes with great freedom. Yet within their adventures they are still under societies rule, for without entering it Huck is unable to get what they need to survive. We get the sense of their teamwork as we watch Jim instruct Huck to go into the towns to achieve what they need done.

Huckleberry Fin #1

Huckleberry Fin is a great model of resilience. Though faced with abandon, neglect, and abuse both from his father and from the society in which he lived he is able to maintain his resilience. Justice did not prevail in the trial over his custody in that it was seen that his father had the ‘right’ to care for Huck no matter how abusive he was. In essence the law (judge) saw his father as his rightful owner. Huck also shows wisdom when he gives away his money knowing that his father would simply use it to harm him. Huck relates to Jim in that in a way they were both abused by society, facing oppression and discrimination. Jim was discriminated for his color, Huck by his age. They were viewed more as property then as people. I think that Huck’s adventures are one way in which he continues to cope and maintains this resilience.

Harry Potter a bildungsroman?

I think that Harry Potter does indeed fall under the definition of a bildungsroman. For you can pick out almost any character and follow their growth as they face challenges and live out their lives. One character I believe showed the most dynamic transformation as he came of age was Neville. Neville, at the beginning of the series was full of fear and timidity. He was an outcast and easily bullied by Malfoy and his gang of friends. However as the story progresses Neville is thrown into to tough situations again and again where he is forced to make difficult decisions. One great strength, that parallels with Harry’s is Neville’s memory of his parents and their bravery. This memory gives him the courage to do the right thing. The last novel truly shows his growth as he is the key piece in bring together the army that is willing to fight for Harry. The climax of Neville’s character is seen when Harry instructs him to kill the snake, imparting knowledge, and Neville’s ability to do just that when the time came. This growth can be seen an each character as they all face extreme challenges in which they have to make choices. This theme of decision-making is key when deciding weather or not a book is a bildungsroman.

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and he who fears is not perfected in love." --1 John 4:18

Throughout the novel one key theme reappears consistently as Harry battles with the evil Lord Voldemort. That theme is one of love, the love formed between friends so great that death itself cannot overcome it. In fact it is indeed this very love that in the end overcomes even death itself. Harry’s selflessness in death is testament to the love he had for all. His love overcame the fear of evil and the fear of death. This love can be seen as a metaphor to love of Jesus Christ as written in the Gospels. The love of God for us sending Him to the cross to die, a love that overcame the power of death forever.

Harry Potter #1