Huckleberry Finn's Escape from Hines Quiz

Huckleberry Finn Breaks Free of Hines by Biting His Arm

In Mark Twain's classic novel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," the protagonist Huck (short for Huckleberry) finds himself in various precarious situations due to his unconventional upbringing and the social norms of the time. One such situation involves his escape from a brutal slave catcher named Hines.

Huck's Escape from Pap

Huck's escape from his abusive father, Pap Finn, sets the stage for the rest of his journey. Pap's cruel behavior is a stark contrast to his father's love and compassion in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," where Tom's father, Judge Thatcher, serves as a positive role model.

Huck's Encounter with Hines

Later in the book, Huck and his companion, Jim (a runaway slave), encounter Hines near Cairo, Illinois. They are aware that Hines is a vile man who will stop at nothing to capture runaway slaves and return them to their owners. Huck and Jim hide in a cave to avoid detection. However, Hines discovers them and attempts to capture Jim.

Huck's Desperate Action

To protect Jim, Huck bites Hines' arm when Hines tries to grab Jim. This desperate action is a clear indication of Huck's loyalty and commitment to his friend Jim. It also shows his bravery and determination to protect those he cares about.

Huck's Conscience and Morality

The incident with Hines further highlights Huck's internal conflict between his upbringing and the moral teachings of the society he lives in, and his personal sense of right and wrong. Huck grapples with his conscience in the novel, and this incident is a part of that struggle.

In conclusion, Huck's escape from Hines by biting his arm is a pivotal moment in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." It demonstrates Huck's character, his loyalty, and his moral dilemmas as he navigates the society of his time.