The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn | Chapter 9 | Summary

Summary

Huck and Jim explore the island and find a cave on a hill. They stay in the cave, as it is a good place to hide if anyone comes on the island. It also allows them to escape the rain, which Jim predicts. The rains go on for days and leave the island flooded.

After the storm has passed Huck and Jim go out on the canoe and explore the river. They find a large raft floating down the river and take it for themselves. Later a house floats down the river and Huck and Jim enter it and take whatever they can. They also find a man who is dead from a shot in the back. Jim looks at the man but insists Huck not look at the face.

Analysis

Later on it is revealed that the dead body in the floating house is Pap, Huck's father. Why doesn't Jim reveal this to Huck, who would surely want to know? Jim comes to rely on Huck for help with his escape and appreciates his company. If Huck knew his father were dead, Jim reasons that Huck would have no reason to escape. Were Huck to leave and go back to society, it might come out that he has seen and spent time with Jim.

With the passing of Pap, Jim takes on the role of surrogate father for Huck. Jim looks out for Huck in times of trouble, teaches him various things (such as superstitions), and plays the role of protector (including not letting Huck see his actual father's face). Jim also shows a certain tenderness toward Huck that Pap never did. While Huck is going through a coming-of-age process, it is Jim who acts as his guide. Through their relationship Huck will gain a greater understanding of himself and the world.