A Comparison Piece of Mark Twain's the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Frederick Douglass's Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave
Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Frederick Douglass's Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave can be said to be comparison pieces. Despite that Huck Finn is a fictional character and Douglass was a physical being, certain characteristics and developmental processes are very similar.
Firstly, in the initial stages of their lives, both Huck and Douglass faced repression, though in different forms. While Huck is a character whose spirit longs to fly freely, there are others that would conform his ways. This is expressed early on in the novel when Widow Douglas attempts to compel Huck to dress in attire befitting of a civilized individual. She also tries to have him refrain from smoking and learn the bible. Like with all other authority figures encountered by Huck, he rebels and does not heed her wishes. While Huck's repression of his free will is to reform him, Douglass's repression of independence is in order to keep him complacent and docile. Born into slavery, any ideas Douglass might have had of freedom and independence are immediately shattered. This is possible by denying him information regarding his age and parents. He is also denied a formal education in order to prevent him from getting any worldly ideas of the inherent injustices of slavery.
Secondly, the two characters lack parental figures and therefore, miss out on any guidance that they would provide. Huck's mother is deceased and his father is an abusive drunk who disappears frequently for extended periods of time. Huck is left to his own devices to mature. In the early stages of his life, he lacks the guidance and firm hand that are crucial to the development of a child. This lack of support infuses a sense of independence in Huck. How well he adheres to his sovereignty is tested several times throughout the novel. Due to his self-reliance, he is able to make decisions on his own, apart from the influence of the general public. Douglass is separated from his
Firstly, in the initial stages of their lives, both Huck and Douglass faced repression, though in different forms. While Huck is a character whose spirit longs to fly freely, there are others that would conform his ways. This is expressed early on in the novel when Widow Douglas attempts to compel Huck to dress in attire befitting of a civilized individual. She also tries to have him refrain from smoking and learn the bible. Like with all other authority figures encountered by Huck, he rebels and does not heed her wishes. While Huck's repression of his free will is to reform him, Douglass's repression of independence is in order to keep him complacent and docile. Born into slavery, any ideas Douglass might have had of freedom and independence are immediately shattered. This is possible by denying him information regarding his age and parents. He is also denied a formal education in order to prevent him from getting any worldly ideas of the inherent injustices of slavery.
Secondly, the two characters lack parental figures and therefore, miss out on any guidance that they would provide. Huck's mother is deceased and his father is an abusive drunk who disappears frequently for extended periods of time. Huck is left to his own devices to mature. In the early stages of his life, he lacks the guidance and firm hand that are crucial to the development of a child. This lack of support infuses a sense of independence in Huck. How well he adheres to his sovereignty is tested several times throughout the novel. Due to his self-reliance, he is able to make decisions on his own, apart from the influence of the general public. Douglass is separated from his