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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 considers his act of revenge, but feels no guilt about it, only apathy. At last, Huck arrives on a Sunday, having snuck out of church. He has not admitted to seeing Jim, but he told Miss Watson and Judge Thatcher about his adventures with the King and the Duke. Hopkins told Huck that Lizzie and Sadie were taken to Graham farm before the overseer suddenly disappeared. Jim does not confess the murder to Huck, but he is frustrated with himself for not thinking to question the man before killing him. Huck is too young to fight in the war but has decided to side with the Union, who are against slavery. Jim thanks Huck and sends him back to the mainland.
Jim’s lack of guilt frees him to consider what else he is capable of doing in order to save his family. Huck’s loyalty to Jim, after all they have been through, speaks to his newly mature character. He seems to know this is the last time he will see Jim, and he assures his father that—although he is choosing to live under the safe cover of whiteness—he supports those who are fighting for Jim’s freedom.
Themes
