Huck Finn: A Bildungsroman?

After reading the novel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, I did not find as strong of evidence to classify it as a bildungsroman as I did for Harry Potter.  However, this is not to say that the book should not be classified as such.  While one can observe definitive growth in the character of Huck Finn, it may be the less fantastical light in which he is portrayed, as compared to Harry Potter, which distracts from his overt “growth.”  The dynamic changes that can be seen in Huck’s character are much more human, and therefore, more fluctuating and less dramatic than the gradual, climatic growth of Harry Potter.  Although Huck developed into a more conscientious and civilized person by the end, one can hardly say that Huck grew from a boy to a man.  As evidenced in the book, there is still plenty of things to be learned and development to be had by Huckleberry Finn.  The book also ends with Huck desiring to head West, seeking more adventures, which only leaves the reader questioning into what kind of character Huck Finn will continue to develop.

Jim and Huck

It is obvious that Jim and Huck play two of the lead roles as characters in the book, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.  Huck, who plays the lead protagonist, has an important role as the dynamic character who one can see change and grow throughout the book.  At the beginning, Huck is presented as an uneducated, rather careless and uncivilized runaway young man, who prefers life alone in wilderness than with his drunkard father or the widow.  However, this begins to change as Huck receives a little education and following his adventures down the Mississippi with Jim.  Jim is also an interesting character in that he plays Huck's sidekick.  While Jim is a more static character than Huck, he is an unsuspecting companion and as an outcast of society as well, he seems a positive and loyal addition to the Huck-Jim relationship.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

I have just started Mark Twain’s, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.  As of now, I am only 60 pages into the reading and it is good, but I am hoping that it will continue to pick up.  I have never read any Mark Twain before, and I am impressed with his ability to weave a story and create characters.  So far, I am most impressed with the way that Mark Twain created the slang and broken English in the text.  Furthermore, not only does Twain give Huck Finn slang speech at the beginning, but one can see how Huck’s speech continues to improve with his schooling, which I found very impressive.  Whether Huck, Jim, Huck’s drunken father, or the widow, the way Twain develops his characters is very helpful to the readers’ understanding of the novel. 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Bildungsroman

J.K. Rowling’s, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, should definitely be considered a bildungsroman.  Harry, as well as other characters, such as Hermione and Ron show a distinct development and/or maturity in the sense of a “self-cultivation” as the novel (or in this case series) progresses.  Taking Harry as an example, he shows an increased understanding of his powers and people skills from the beginning of the series to this seventh book.  He also seems to grow from a boy on reckless adventures into a young-adult who becomes aware of how he needs others as much as they need him and also finds the importance of having more of a plan in his quest to defeat Voldemort.  Ron shows a turning point in his character when he saves Harry and uses the sword of Gryffindor to destroy one of the horcuxes.  This event seemed to symbolize a sense of self and from there on out, Ron was more comfortable in his own skin.  Finally, Hermione seemed to grow into herself in this last book as well by finally showing comfort in her brains and skill as a witch, as well having as a confident attraction to Ron.  

Ron as a Key Player

I really enjoyed the development of Ron’s character in this seventh installment of the Harry Potter series.  While Ron again plays Harry Potter’s sidekick and best friend, this book brought out Ron as an individual as well.  After living in the shadow of his best friend for the last six books, it added to the plot to see the internal struggle and triumphs that Ron went through and how they differed from Harry.  Naturally, Harry shines in every book, but this last book seems to offer a sort of closure with Ron growing into himself.  This is seen clearly in his feelings towards Hermione, his momentary departure from Harry and Hermione in their quest for the 7 Horcruxes, his return, saving Harry, and his destruction of a Horcrux.  Also, through this process, Ron seems to gain a small insight into the life of Harry and recognize that it is not as glamorous as it may seem.  The development of Ron was definitely a crucial sub-plot in this book.

Harry Potter

One of the themes that really stood out to me as I read J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was that of courage.  Through Harry Potter's character, Rowling puts a special emphasis on courage, as a positive trait.  I found it encouraging to see the type of selfless courage that is displayed by Harry throughout the book and series.  It is a courage that does not focus merely on himself, but a type of courage that places the well-being of others first and foremost.  I believe that this type of courage still exists today, but it is all too often forgotten for more selfish types of courage.  It would be nice to see such a positive trait put into practice more today.