Friendship and Betrayal-Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (ch.31-43)

Reading chapters 31-43, wasn't interesting to me then the previous chapters I blogged about last. It annoyed me more than usual. We are again having to read about betrayal from the duke and king. This time they outdone themselves. It didn't seem right that they betrayed Jim, by selling him for money. The king more than the duke by being the one selling him. The duke just printed the handbill for it. Still he had a part in it. Another part I considered betrayal in these chapters was sadly on Huck's part due to Tom behalf. Honestly I don't like Tom as a character. He is so immature compared to Huck, who is maturing. But I felt Huck betrayed Jim because he listed and went with Tom's plan, Which was longer imprisonment for Jim, making it unnecessary. Huck knows how much Jim wants to be free so he could be with his family. Why couldn't he stand up to Tom to began with?
     Friendship has blossomed into a beautiful thing with Huck and Jim in this novel. Especially in the end. "And got to thinking over our trip down the river; and I see Jim before me, all the time, in the day, and in the nigh-time, sometimes moonlight, sometimes storms, and we a floating along, talking, and singing, and laughing." (chapter 31). I am really proud of Huck for not sending the letter to Tom. He realizes his friendship with Jim is more important and would rather go to hell because of that. Saving Jim was the high point of their friendship. He wants Jim to be free like he is. To conclude my last post on Huckleberry Finn, the two themes I had to write about both balanced each other out. Without betrayal their wouldn't really be friendship. Thank you.

Huck and Jim till the end!

Friendship and Betrayal- Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (ch.23-30)

While reading chapters 23-30, I didn't want to put the book down. This was the first section of the novel that didn't put me to sleep every so often (Not Kidding). I really enjoyed the story plot behind it. There was betrayal left from right. Not so much friendship. Can we all agree how much we hate the king and the duke. For them to talk up a show and for it to end up being short is so stupid. I can see why the crowd wasn't satisfied. The King and duke betrayed them into thinking that they were going to get their money's worth, which they didn't. They were lucky enough to escape when they did. Sadly. But no they couldn't stop there, they just had to go to the next town and betray more people. This time death was involved. Really! "Alas, alas, our poor brother-gone, and we never got to see him; oh, it's too, too hard!" (chapter 24) The king and duke in my understanding of the reading were basically crying because they had a great opportunity ahead if them. 
     When they continue lying about who they were I was not only angry at them but at the people who believed every word of their lie. Yes there lies were believable but when the only sensible one, Doctor Robinson accuses them of being fraud's, the people still didn't believe. I was proud of Huck for stepping up as well and telling Mary about the king and duke. I wanted them to get caught as badly as Huck did to but that didn't happen. To end this discussion about the king and duke, why did the king confess to hiding the money tin the coffin?
     Friendship for Huck and Jim is going great. In the end of chapter 30, Huck tells Jim everything about what happened in town. Isn't that what friendship is about, telling each other everything that goes on in life. The part that made me smile while reading was in chapter 23. "I went to sleep, and Jim didn't call me when it was my turn. He often done that". Jim is nice for letting Huck sleep more than he should. Jim is looking out for him like a friend/dad.

Friendship and Betrayal- Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (ch. 16-22)

Right now in the book, friendship for Huck and Jim is more than just needing each other. Friendship for them changed because they know each other better than before. When Jim told Huck about his plans after he arrives at Cairo, I saw this as a form of trust because Jim, a slave, trust Huck, a white person with his plans. Even though Huck has many chances to turn Jim in, he doesn't. " Pooty soon I'll be a-shout'n' for joy, en I'll say, it's all on accounts o' Huck; I's a free man, en I couldn't ever ben free ef it hadn' ben for Huck; Huck done it. Jim won't ever forgit you, Huck; you's de bes' fren' Jim's ever had; en you's de only fren' ole Jim's got now" (chapter 16). Loyalty is a really important part of friendship which shows in this chapter because Huck is the only person in Jim's life who's kept a promise to him. Jim sees Huck as his best friend knowing he is a white person.
       Another part in these chapters that I want to point out that relates to my theme betrayal is when we are introduced to the two runaways that refer to themselves as a "King" and "Duke". I though that the two men betrayed Jim and Huck because they lied about who they were so that Huck and Jim can serve them and treat them as if they were royal. "It didn't take me long to make up my mind that these liars warn't no kings nor dukes, at all, but just low- down  humbugs and frauds" (chapter 19). Honestly I believe that Huck should have said something and confronted them. I know he had his reasons but the King and Duke treating Jim and him like they had control over them in my understanding of the reading, and that didn't seem right. And since Huck knew they were lying, did Jim know as well? If not, Huck should have let Jim on the truth. Isn't that what friends are for? What more can we aspect from Jim and Huck in their next adventure?

Friendship and Betrayal- Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (ch.6-15)

So far along the novel, the theme friendship and betrayal is starting to come along. A part in these chapters when betrayal is recognized is in chapter 8 when Huck fakes his own death and hides out in the island. This is a form of betrayal because Huck knows that people who care for him for example Tom Sawyer, Judge Thatcher, and even his father Pap are out looking for him thinking the worse of what happened to Huck. Another part in this novel that betrayal is recognized is in chapter 9 when Huck and Jim discover a dead body when they board a cabin."It's a dead man. Yes, indeedy; naked, too. He's ben shot in de back. I reck'n he's ben dead two er three days. Come in, Huck, but doan' look at his face—it's too gashly." (chapter 9) When reading this part, I thought that Jim betrayed Huck because Jim recognized the dead body to be that of Hucks father but didn't tell Huck. Even though Jim was trying to protect Huck from knowing, this is still a form of betrayal were he lied to Huck.Which I thought wasn't right.
     Another theme in these chapters is friendship. Friendship starts to form between Jim and Huck. "Well, I warn't long making him understand I warn't dead. I was ever so glad to see Jim. I warn't lonesome now. I told him I warn't afraid of him telling the people where I was. I talked along, but he only set there and looked at me; never said nothing".(chapter 8) Huck is glad to see Jim, meaning he consider Jim a friend. Right or Wrong? Friendship is all about having each other back and I think that Huck and Jim formed a friendship that is based on needing each other in this adventure they are.Supposed to the kind of friendship that is on liking and getting to know each other. Just maybe friendship for Jim and Huck will expand than it is already is.   

Enslavement and Freedom- Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (ch.1-5)

So far in this novel (ch. I-VI), we are introduced to the theme enslavement and freedom. Huck Finn wants to be free of having good behavior, manners and society values. "Then she told me about the bad place, and I said I wished I was there. She got mad, the, but I didn't mean no harm. All I wanted was to go somewheres; all I wanted was a change, I warn't particular."(pg. 3) Huck wants the freedom where it is less boring and more accepting. Implying that he would rather go to hell than stay with Widow Douglas and her sister Miss. Watson. Another part in these few chapters that deals with freedom is in chapter 3 when Huck thinks about his father. "I didn't want to see him no more. He used to always whale me when he was sober and could get his hands on me; though I used to take to the woods most of the time when he was around." (pg. 12) I feel as if Huck is scared and helpless towards his father. He wants to be free of his father's control over him and its as if he wants his father dead instead of alive because he doesn't have to deal with the burden of his father taking him away from Widow Douglas. Another theme in this book is enslavement. We are introduced to this theme in chapter 2 of the novel. The character who suffers from this is Jim, a slave of Miss Watson. I feel bad for Jim because he has no rights or freedom and is look down upon by Huck and Tom because of the fact that he is black. Will Jim be free or will he continue to live the life he suffers the most as a slave?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

The Scarlet Letter Chapter 15-24 (pg. 171-259)

   I was very emotional after reading the the last 10 chapters of this novel. 1/4 of me was happy that were finally getting somewhere in the novel while the other 3/4 of me was disappointed because there was no happy ending and the author left us in confusion. To add on I felt like the ending was rushed. Its like watching a movie and your hoping there is a part 2 to that movie because the 1st one left you with wanting more. The Scarlet Letter left me with wanting more!

   In chapters 15, I sympathize with Pearl when she repeatedly asked what the scarlet letter meant. My dislike for her in the beginning of the novel till now has changed. When she compared the scarlet letter her mother wears to the same reason Dimmesdale covers his heart over his hand, made me realize how smart she is for a seven year old girl. In order for her to understand the role Dimmesdale play's in her life she needs to understand the meaning behind the scarlet letter first. Hester holding that information from her by lying about why she wears the scarlet letter makes me see Hester as a sinner to her own child.

  Reading chapters 16-20 made me happy because their was hope that the novel would turn out to be a happy ending. This part of the novel takes place in the forest where Hester and Dimmesdale Finally have an honest and private conversation among themselves. I like that they finally let their emotions out to each other about how they feel about the scarlet letter. I was proud of Hester for telling Dimmesdale that Chillingworth was her husband. The fact that Dimmesdale forgave Hester after she told him that information, in my eyes shows how much they love each other. You can't really blame them, Hester and Dimmesdale kept secrets in order to protect themselves while Chillingworth kept secrets in order to harm others. Things started to get promising when Hester and Dimmesdale decide to leave Boston together with Pearl of course. When Hester takes of the letter and throws it on the ground it shows how happy she is that they can finally be a family and start a new life. I am happy for them because after all these years of pain and suffering that they both endured they get to love each other like they should. At first when Pearl was reluctant to come over to her mother when called, I thought it was because she was jealous that her mom was with someone else instead of her. Then I begin to realize that her refusal to come to her mother was because her mother didn't have the scarlet letter on. I applaud Pearl for standing her ground because she knows that the letter is part of her mothers identity and can not be thrown away. When Pearl washes of the kiss Dimmesdale planted on her, you can see how different she is from her mother. Her mother accepts Dimmesdale while Pearl doesn't until he publicly accepts her. Towards the end of chapter 20 when he tells Chilllingworth that he is alright and doesn't need him anymore, I start seeing Dimmesdale as a new man. 

I was very disappointed when reading chapters 21-23. " that this physician here Chillinworth, he calls himself is minded to try my cabin-fare with you?" (pg 230) Really, Chillingworth is going to be on the ship with them as well. Exactly what is his purpose for following them out of Boston? I get annoyed every time I see his name and read about him. I didn't really understand what Mistress Hibbins was trying to tell Hester. All I got out of the reading was like Pearl she pointed out that the minister keeps his hand over his heart. Now chapter 23 was the jaw dropping moment we have been waiting for. Dimmesdale realizes that he is going to die, sadly, gives the most powerful sermon to the crowd. Just when things were going to look up for Hester, Dimmesdale, and Pearl. To make it even more interesting he calls Hester and Pearl to the scaffold. Dimmesdale says to Hester, "Is not this better than what we dreamed of in the forest". (pg.249) He reveals to the crowd that he is guilty of the same sin like Hester. He finally did it. The part that really got to me was when Pearl kissed him and he died. It saddens me to know that Pearl just met him and already he is leaving her and the mother for good. It shouldn't have ended this way. 

Chapter 24  Conclusion: The only good thing that made me see Chillingworth as a human being was when he gave all his property to Pearl. Other than that I didn't care if he died. It's good that Hester helps other people that are in need of help. I am happy that she was buried to the man she truly loved and that everyone now sees the scarlet letter as something else than a sin.

The Scarlet Letter Chapter 10-14 (pg. 125-171)

Chapter 10 :The Leech and His Patient- While reading this chapter, I continue to question Roger Chillingworth’s motives for helping out Dimmesdale.  Like I said from my recent blog, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. That is how I view Roger Chillingworth and Dimmesdale’s relationship as “friends”. One thing I can agree on with Chillingworth is that Dimmesdale’s condition is not a health condition but it is coming from stress due to a secret he is hiding. So exactly what is this secret that Chillingworth is soooo obsessive about? I am pretty sure we are going to find out soon. Another part in this chapter that catches my attention is when Pearl and Hester walk through the graveyard.  Chilllingworth says “There is no law, nor reverence for authority, no regard for human ordinances or opinions, right or wrong, mixed up with that child’s composition”. (Pg. 130) I agree with him again. Pearl’s behavior is disgusting at times. I feel like she has no boundaries, and her mother does nothing to stop her. Where is her father when needed? After reading the end of this chapter, I have concluded that Chillingworth is a crazy man. Why did he act the way he did when he lifted up the shirt?

Chapter 11: The Interior of a Heart- Now that I know Dimmesdale's big secret, I'm not that surprised.  Like Maury would say, “DNA results show that Dimmesdale you are the father of Pearl”. I don't know why Roger Chillingtonworth has made it a mission to hurt the minister as much as possible. Yes he slept with your wife and had a baby with her but its your fault for not showing up sooner.This chapter of the novel makes me feel bad for Dimmesdale. He describes himself as a "pollution and lie" to his parishioners yet he does not confess and they continue to view him favorably. Its like his sin lets him empathize with other sinners. The fact that the people are so concerned with sin and can't recognize a sinner, is just sad. Why can't Dimmesdale just reveal his sin to everyone else! His sin is eating him up inside and out. I am tired of feeling sorry for a man who knows right from wrong. The only way he will be able to find relief is if he confesses his sin. (Wow realized I wrote sin to much).

Chapter 12: The Minister's Vigil- Reading the beginning of this chapter makes me like Dimmesdale again. Just by reading this it you can tell that he doesn't want to hide himself of this sin he possesses, and wants to reveal it to the town. But no, he can only bring himself to experience privately what Hester endured publicly. Be a man for God's sake Dimmesdale. The part that was most interesting to read was when Pearl and Hester join him on the scaffold. The last time Hester and Pearl were there was when they revealed the scarlet letter to the crowd. I get a feeling that Pearl senses that Dimmesdale belongs on the scaffold but is to young to see why.

Chapter 13: Another View of Hester- This chapter was happy, sad yet disturbing at the same time. Its happy because, " the effect of the symbol or, rather, of the position in respect to society that was indicated by it on the mind of Hester Prynne herself was powerful and peculiar". Its like the symbol stands for more than a sinner. The people don't look at her the way they did few years back, instead they see her as pure but not pure enough to go to heaven. What a shame. The sad part about it is that her appearance has changed for the worse. Poor Hester, just a few years ago you were beautiful. The fact that she thinks that her life isn't worth living and thinks about murdering Pearl and killing herself is disturbing. I get Pearl can be a handful at times, but isn't every kid like that at that age?

Chapter 14: Hester and the Physician- Hester being a rebel. Finally there is another side of her that we don't get to see. Chillingworth is such a miserable man. Get another hobby besides tormenting poor Dimmesdale. His obsession is starting to eat him up and Hester sees that. If Hester can't get him to stop his behavior then who can? The novel is just getting interesting. Can not wait to see what happens between Hester, Chillingworth, and Dimmesdale.