Huck is impressed with Jim's ability to see right through Solomon. He cannot understand why a king would want to be around so many bickering women and have so many children. His rationale sounds silly, but he brings up a point that Huck never questioned. Jim thinks that since King Solomon had so many children he couldn't possibly appreciate all of the them the same way he would only a few. King Solomon claimed he lived in accordance with God, but his outwards acts did not match up with his inward beliefs. It is not enough for a man to simply say he is a Christian; he must act like a Christian by following the commandments and living in accordance with God. Jim, although seen as much less intelligent breed in their society, knows that living virtuously is more important than simply proclaiming a faith and being confined to its authority. Huck has been taught the rules of the faith, but Jim has demonstrated the philosophy behind the beliefs.
Huck's view represents the Old Testament; he knows the commandments, the rules and regulations of the church. Jim represents the New Testament; he gives examples of how to apply those teachings in everyday life for the benefit on an individual and a community.
*Jim, although seen as much less intelligent breed in their society, knows that living virtuously is more important than simply proclaiming a faith and being confined to its authority.
ReplyDeleteSo, there is a focus on action--morality--over what, here? authority? tradition?