Written in a time when racial inequality is the norm and people of color are considered inferior beings, Mark Twain, in his famous novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, draws a character in Jim who is the epitome of restrained maturity and understated grace. With the constant threat of being discovered and subsequently returned to his "owner", Mrs. Watson, Jim maintains his remarkably composed demeanor and serves as a surrogate father to the wild and irrepressible title character. Even though Jim does not play the main role in the novel, he is actually the most integral character and may be the only real adult responsible for the entire novel. As a testament to Twain's foresight, Jim serves as an intermediary between the uncultured Huck and the outside world, while at the same time fighting for his freedom and the right to live unencumbered with his family. Considered more than just a slave, as most blacks were in Huck Finn's time, Jim earns unusual respect; "He was more esteemed than any other Negro in that country. Strange Negroes stood with their mouths open and looked at him everywhere, as if he were a prodigy" (6-7). This esteem comes not only from other slaves, but also from Huck and Tom Sawyer. It quickly becomes apparent that Jim is an intelligent, analytical man, who happens to be black. Completed in the late 19th century, Twain makes a bold decision when describing the sympathetic character of Jim, who represents the author's not-so-subtle protests regarding the treatment of blacks in the South. Despite the objections of his contemporaries, however, Twain uses Jim as his protagonist's guide and, in the process, displays a clear respect for the abilities of all races. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayThe clearest sign of respect Twain shows for Jim is in his moral strength and his instilled ability to use said strength in a positive way. On countless occasions, Huck requests Jim's help in some way, whether it be advice on a complicated matter or assistance in getting out of trouble. The most obvious occasion for this support is actually a deception; When Huck and Jim come across a houseboat on the Mississippi River, they find a dead body, covered in a piece of cloth. When Jim goes to identify the body, he realizes that it is Huck's dad and, using his solid common sense, hides the information from Huck to protect his fragile psyche. Instead, Jim scares Huck with a superstitious story, telling him, "it would bring bad luck; and besides, he said, it might come to haunt us; he said a man who wasn't buried was more likely to go the way." around one who was settled and comfortable" (58). This instance reconfirms Jim's paternal position in Huck's development, and it is clear that he is a far superior role model than Huck's biological father. Furthermore, the reader gets to recognize the respect Huck has for Jim, despite having the fate of the runaway slave in his young hands. A major theme in the novel is the use of superstitions, primarily by Jim, according to old-fashioned folklore passed down from past generations. Despite the surprising accuracy and usefulness of these myths, Huck is skeptical and often disagrees with Jim's directives. Shortly after discovering Huck's father, Jim again warns Huck of potential bad luck, this time in the form of a skin of discarded snake. Instead of listening to his wiser, older friend, Huck places the snake skin next to Jim while he sleeps, causing another snake to come closer and bite Jim.