Briefly, we can see Huck's relationship with Jim as
more-or-less a relationship of equals. Huck articulates his recognition that Jim loves
his wife and family as much as any one else loves their family, regardless of skin
color.
"I do
believe he cared just as much for his people as white folks does for their'n. It don't
seem natural, but I reckon it's
so."
Huck recognizes also
Jim's kindness and generosity, given freely and outside of any formal
context.
Also, the commentary made by Pap Finn early in
the novel regarding a clean-shirted free African American functions as an ironic
indictment of racism. Pap's vehemence and resentment work against him and demonstrate
the hypocrisy of his racist sentiments.
These are
anti-racist sentiments.
Pap's pettiness and racism are
mirrored later. Jim's treatment at the Phelps farm (both before and after the attempted
escape) is inhumane, lacking common respect, and presupposing of a status quo which
takes this kind of treatment for granted.
These are racist
sentiments.
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