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Part 3, Chapter 3
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in James, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Speech, Performance, and Willful Ignorance
Identity, Narrative, and Agency
Racism, Dehumanization, and Hypocrisy
Innocence vs. Disillusionment
Family, Alliance, and Loyalty
Summary
Analysis
Jim and Huck set off down the river after dark, not speaking. Jim contemplates his anger, which has grown in scope and depth. They rest before heading inland, where they discover a well-trodden north-south trail. Hearing footsteps, they hide in the bushes and watch as a group of soldiers marches south. Huck is enthralled and wants to follow the men to whatever battle they are destined for. Jim does not consider the hypothetical war very important and wants to return Huck to Miss Watson and Judge Thatcher, where he will be safe. Huck tells Jim he doesn’t own him—Jim hopes no one ever does.
It is possible Jim is beginning to realize that his performed submission and deference have not protected him, thereby increasing his anger. Huck’s reaction to the soldiers confirms that he is still, in some ways, adventurous and innocent. Cynical as he is, Jim does not expect any good to come from the war, and he focuses his efforts on returning his son home safe. Huck’s comment about ownership does not offend Jim, as his main desire is for Huck to maintain agency over his own life.
Themes
Jim’s plan is to return Huck to town, find Sadie and Lizzie, and run to a free state. Huck wrestles with the feeling that he should be with his father—Jim—and his desire to see the adventure of war. Jim, who knows what it is like to face death every day, finds his romanticization childish, but he assures Huck there is no adventure in being a slave. Huck thinks he must have known Pap wasn’t his real father and wishes Jim had told him the truth sooner. Jim claims he was trying to keep Huck safe, but this feels like a cliché. They continue to walk beside the river’s shifting bank.
Although Jim cares deeply for Huck, he knows he will be safer passing as a white boy like he has done before. Huck is conflicted, feeling the need to ally himself with Jim, his father, but also desiring adventure. Whether Jim wishes Huck would come with him is left unclear.
Themes
