Huck & Holden

Huck & Holden

When it comes to classic American heroes, Huckleberry Finn is right up in the top ten. Easily top five. But definitely #1. That spot is reserved for Spongebob SquarePants.




Another classic novel that we just started reading is The Catcher in the Rye. I haven't read much of it but I have had read enough to understand Holden's character and am able to compare his to that of Huckleberry Finn's.



For those who have not taken American Novels or haven't read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, even though I'm not completely finished with it, I still suggest you read it.
Huck is a twelve year old living in the racist state of Missouri. He has no real family and basically lives off the wild. He seems pretty laid back and is fairly happy. His dad is a huge alcoholic and they never really talk about his mother. Huck hooks up with his caretakers slave, Jim, after he escapes from his dad quite dubiously, and slowly changes and matures through is adventures. Holden Caulfield, on the other hand, has a family and seems to hate them. He refers to them as introverts and not so touchy feely. To me, Holden seems quite like a big hypocrite.




Huck is just a young boy who begins having conflicts of conscience and is having trouble trying to choose a moral pathway. Holden is having other troubles. He is struggling in school and has been from school to school for quite some time.

I will just make a list of differences and similarities:

Differences:

•Time difference. Holden in the 1950's, Huck in the 1800's.
•Holden is definitely older than Huck.
•Holden is more well off. (Yes, Huck does get $6,000 but Holden has a better upbringing etc...)
•Holden is trying to old on to something lost, like his youth. Huck is living his.

•Trouble finds Huck. Holden sort of looks for it.
•...
Similarities:

•Runaways
•Good liars
•Somewhat socially retarded
•Both have to deal with societal hypocrisies
•Family