Huckleberry Finn- Jim and Huck

Huck is very glad to see Jim when he first encountered him in the island because he feels lonesome traveling alone. During the adventure, Jim and Huck provide each other companionship, when Jim plays the father figure for Huck, always taking Huck’s watches, calling Huck honey, protecting Huck from harm, and crying when he finds Huck again after they have lost each other. Each person has given the other what he misses in his life. Jim needs someone to care for while he misses his wife and children, and Huck is there needing someone to nurture him while he grows. Both develop an attachment toward the other because they have become dependent on each other for companionship and survival. Furthermore, Jim’s compassion has led Huck to develop a conscience, which denies conventional treatment of slaves as he decides that he rather go to hell and steal a “nigger,” Jim. Throughout this adventure, Huck and Jim have not only kept each other company and from going insane since human beings cannot live alone, they also help each other grow.

Huckleberry Finn- being civilized

What does being civilized mean? According to Huck, being civilized is to bathe oneself, to dress in tight and uncomfortable clothes, to wear clean clothes, to behave and to speak properly, and most importantly to pray. When the widow, Ms. Watson tries to civilize Huck by teaching him these things, he feels trap and uncomfortable. Even though, he does not like living with his pap, he sure does not want to return to live with Ms. Watson either when pap returns to take him back. This emphasizes that being civilized is as bad as pap’s beating and drunkenness and is an imprisonment as it forces people to conform to societal view of what is proper human behaviors; therefore, Huck tries to escape from it.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- Bildungsroman?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows embodies the characteristic of a bildungsroman as the book shows how each character has grown. Even Dumbledore, Harry’s perfect mentor, has gone through changes before becoming the man Harry knows. He has to cope with the guilt of his sister’s death and comes to realize his flaw, power. These developments have allowed the honorable Dumbledore to prepare Harry to fight against Lord Voldemort. One could also see great changes in Harry and Ron characters. Both Ron and Harry have to accept their roles despite of their insecurities. Ron comes to realize his role in the group even though he lacks Hermione’s intelligence and does not have Harry’s importance as the one who escaped. In addition, Harry has to accept his responsibilities as destined person to destroy Lord Voldemort even though he is unsure of his abilities to do the job. Hermione is another character who undergoes a change; however, it is more subtle in comparison to others. Since the beginning of the book, Hermione supports Harry in his quest even when Ron leaves. However, she becomes stronger as she comes face to face with torture. The development of these characters shows the bildungsroman characteristic of the book.

Ron - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Ron and Hermoine are Harry’s closest friends in school and the people who accompanied him in all his quests. Nevertheless, during the last quest Ron impulsively leaves Hermoine and Harry. His loyalty toward Harry and Hermoine leads him back just in time to help Harry escapes the locket. One discovers later in the book that Ron’s insecurity has driven him away from his two best friends. Since he has always walked in Harry’s shadow, he never feels good enough because he is not Harry, the one who escaped. Despite his feelings, he continues to be loyal to Harry and aides him during his quest. Even though he cannot use magic like Hermoine, his loyalty and bravery has helped Harry pass through danger, the locket, and provides Harry with the strength to defeat Voldemort. Many readers could relate to Ron’s character because they have felt the same insecurity as a teenager; however, they also admire Ron because unlike many, he remains loyal to Harry, despite his insecurity.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- first bog

“Oh, a friend! How true is that old saying, that the enjoyment of one is sweeter and more necessary than that of the elements of water and fire” – Michel de Montaigne

Friendship/companionship is an important aspect during the protagonists’ adventures in many books we have read, such as Gilgamesh and Monkey. Similarly, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows also emphasizes the importance of friendship in Harry’s journey to find and destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes. When Harry has to face Voldemort’s attack as the Order tries to relocate him, his friends volunteer to be his duplicate in their attempt to deceive the evil forces. The death of Mad Eye Moody and the selfless act of his friends have allowed Harry to relocate himself safely. Just like what Dumbledore said, the difference between Harry and Voldemort is friendship, also his strength against Voldemort. Dumbledore’s statement proves to be true when Ron saves Harry from the locket and when Hermoine uses magic to help Harry escapes danger just as danger comes close to destroying him. Their companionship has provided Harry with the strength to continue his quest to destroy Voldemort.