Lessons from Huckleberry Finn – Huck and Jim {John T Lewis} – A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES}
I celebrate ACHIEVEMENT EVERY DAY! When I discover role models, I do not see skin color, age, religion, sex, attractiveness (ok, I like beautiful ladies), or other nonessentials. I love learning from inspirational people who inspire me to drop MY EXCUSES and DO IT! Role models who stretch my ambitions and make me reach for the impossible.
There is dignity in achievement and success—in becoming a great factor in civilization.” Carter G. Woodson.
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Lessons from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – Huck and Jim {John T Lewis} A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES}
John T. Lewis
In 1903, Mark Twain, during his last visit to his in-laws at Quarry Farm in Elmira, New York, posed for a photograph with his friend, John T. Lewis. Lewis, born a free man in Maryland in 1835, had migrated to upstate New York. The two first met in 1877 after Lewis heroically saved the lives of Twain’s sister-in-law and her daughter by stopping their runaway carriage, risking his safety. This bravery cemented a deep friendship between the two men, leading to numerous conversations about religion, life, and literature.
Lewis was an Elder in the Church of the Brethren (the Dunkers) and was an avid reader. Twain, appreciating his friend’s love for books, made it a point to send Lewis every one of his publications, each inscribed with a personal message. After Lewis retired from farming, Twain and his in-laws arranged for him to receive a pension, ensuring his well-being in his later years.
“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”
When Twain returned to writing “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” in 1879 at Elmira, Lewis was one of the real-life inspirations for the character of Jim. It’s plausible that Twain’s relationship with Lewis rekindled his interest in the novel, which he had previously set aside. This connection between the two men highlights the authenticity Twain sought in his characters, grounding them in the reality of his friendships and experiences.
Twain’s friendship with Lewis was not an isolated case. He was one of the few white authors of his time who was deeply immersed in and appreciative of African American culture. He felt at ease in the company of African Americans and often reflected this in his writings and personal interactions. Twain once recalled a moment in New York City when walking with another black friend, George Griffin. People stared at them, puzzled by the sight of a white man and a black man walking together. Twain was unfazed by the glances, but Griffin was embarrassed. Twain believed in the propriety of their companionship, stating, “In some ways, he was my equal, in some others my superior.”
Challenging the Entrenched Racial Prejudices of 19th-century America
Published in 1884/1885, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” centers around a racist boy’s realization of the full humanity of a fugitive slave. Through Huck’s journey with Jim, Twain explores themes of friendship, freedom, and the moral dilemmas of his time. Huck’s evolving perception of Jim challenges the entrenched racial prejudices of the 19th-century American South, offering readers a poignant commentary on race and humanity.
A decade after “Huckleberry Finn,” Twain continued to address racial issues in “Pudd’nhead Wilson.” In this novel, he deconstructed the concept of race, describing it as “a fiction of law and custom” without any biological basis. This narrative further underscores Twain’s progressive views on race, as he questioned the societal constructs that perpetuated racial discrimination. As Toni Morrison stated, “Mark Twain talked about racial ideology in the most powerful, eloquent, and instructive way I have ever read.”
Mark Twain and John Lewis Enduring Friendship
Twain’s friendship with John T. Lewis and his broader engagement with African American culture reflects a profound understanding and respect that permeated his work. These relationships provided Twain with a unique perspective, allowing him to portray African American characters with depth and dignity, which was uncommon in the literature of his time.
In examining “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” through the lens of Twain’s life and friendships, we gain a richer understanding of the novel’s significance. Huck and Jim’s journey is a story of adventure and a profound exploration of friendship, equality, and moral growth. Twain’s ability to draw from his relationships and observations makes his characters authentic, making their experiences resonate with readers across generations.
Twain and Lewis’s story also serves as a reminder of the importance of cross-cultural friendships and their impact on our perspectives and values. Their bond, forged through mutual respect and understanding, challenges the societal norms of their time and offers a timeless lesson in the power of human connection.
Mark Twain and John T. Lewis are buried with their families in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, a testament to their enduring friendship. Their graves stand as a reminder of the legacy of their relationship and the lessons it imparted. As we reflect on Huck and Jim’s final years and the lives of the men who inspired them, let’s embrace the enduring power of empathy, friendship, and the ongoing quest for justice and equality.
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I am a proud nerd (as my beautiful wife and daughter have told me) investment and finance blogger with an N.C. State, Chemical Engineering, University Rutgers, MBA and Harvard University, Advanced Management education.
I left a corporate career because I desired to make a difference as a speaker and writer. I was blessed to be coached and mentored by strong women and men in my family and professional life. It is my time to serve and give back.
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