Student Question
In The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, how and why does Huck help Widow Douglas secretly?
Quick answer:
Huck helps Widow Douglas by secretly warning the Welshman about Injun Joe's plan for revenge against her. Injun Joe seeks vengeance because Widow Douglas's late husband had him horsewhipped. Huck overhears this plot and informs the Welshman, who then protects Widow Douglas. Despite his heroic actions, Huck insists on secrecy out of fear that Injun Joe might harm him if he learns of Huck's involvement.
Interesting question! In the book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, Huck aids Widow Douglas. However, despite his benevolence, he wants his actions to remain secret.
In the book, Huck discovers that Injun Joe seeks revenge for the actions of Widow Douglas’ husband. Injun Joe explains that Widow Douglas’ husband had him horsewhipped. Although Widow Douglas is not guilty, her husband is deceased; thus, he seeks revenge on Widow Douglas. As Injun Joe reveals:
"He had me horsewhipped!—horsewhipped in front of the jail, like a nigger!—with all the town looking on! HORSEWHIPPED!—do you understand? He took advantage of me and died. But I'll take it out of her."
After discovering Injun Joe’s plans, Huck carefully sneaks away and warns the Welshman. Consequently, the Welshman and his sons intervene and keep Widow Douglas safe. Although Huck acts heroically, he adamantly pleads that his actions remain secret. Huck is afraid that Injun Joe and his crew might kill him; thus, he desires to remain anonymous. As the text reveals:
“Huck would not explain, further than to say that he already knew too much about one of those men and would not have the man know that he knew any- thing against him for the whole world — he would be killed for knowing it, sure.”
Thus, Huck aids Widow Douglas. Although his actions are commendable, he desires for his actions to remain secret due to his fear of Injun Joe.
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