The character of Jim takes on the role of father figure for Huck. Jim teaches Huck sincerity, loyalty, maturity, and trustworthiness despite being stubborn. He is sincere when he finds Huck is still alive after being separated by the fog.He becomes angry at Huck for tricking him.
Unlike Huck’s Pap, Jim is willing to do anything to ensure Huck’s safety at any cost.The problem is Huck is not yet ready to sacrifice part of his life for Jim’s safety. Jim trusts Huck enough to tell him he ran away from the widow when he overheard her telling someone she was going to sell him and swears him to secrecy.Huck’s refusal not to reveal where Jim is to the Widow at this time is tested many times during their adventures.
We learn it is Huck’s desperate need to not want to be alone which is the cause. Huck wants someone who will care for him and not see him as only a playmate. Jim takes on this role when Jim cares enough to find shelter for Huck in a cave.The reason for Jim not telling Huck his Pap is dead is because he doesn’t want to hurt Jim’s feelings or Huck would have no reason to stay with him and go to town and tell everyone he was on the island if he knew.
It is a life and death decision for Jim. Jim doesn’t tell Huck for companionship and a need for him to help him through where a freed slave wouldn’t be able to journey alone. Jim has taught Huck the value of friendship and loyalty and matured him to act “Civilized” when he needs to be. -Reference Site-1.
Encyclopedia4u.com-Huckleberry Finn- Encyclopedia Article 2005.
