Phelps農園再考 : Aunt Sally and Huck

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At first glance, the role of Aunt Sally in the Phelps farm episode seems less important than that of Huck. However, her affectionate attitude toward Huck is worth considering because it makes the farm the most'suitable for his real home, and also has a great influence on the meaning of the ending of the story. Aunt Sally has a genius for the direct communication of affection. By patting, hugging and sometimes grabbing, she expresses her loving affection for Huck. Such an attitude cannot be found in Widow Douglas, Jim and any other character in this novel. Even her occasional corporal punishment on Huck is a demonstration of her affection, and it should be distinguished from Pap's abuse of Huck. Aunt Sally also has motherly wisdom in understanding what boys are. Knowing that it is impossible to have them in her power, she simply appreciates their safety and good health, and enjoys living together with them. After about three-week stay at the Phelps farm, Huck unconsciously feels Aunt Sally to be his mother. This is symbolized by his using a verb, "mother," when he describes the scene where Aunt Sally takes care of him in his room in chapter 41. By witnessing her waiting all night for Tom to return safe, Huck eventually finds her affection to be true, opens himself to her, and decides, "I wouldn't never do nothing to grieve her any more." Aunt Sally does not change her attitude toward Huck even after she knows he has disguised as Tom. Her offer to adopt him proves that she loves what he is. Uncle Silas, who is always "a mighty nice old man," also understands Huck, sincerely supports his wife, and therefore forms strong bonds of affection with her. These facts make the Phelps farm a more stable and reliable home to Huck than any other home he has ever seen. Twain's autobiography shows that Uncle Quarles farm is a model of the Phelps farm. As a child, he went to stay at his uncle's farm for a couple of months every year and felt the place to be "a heavenly place for a boy". Twain provides it for Huck to receive him who has passed through many difficulties for his age. The atmosphere of the Phelps farm reminds us of Twain's happiest days when he lived happily with his wife and three little daughters. Although Huck and Tom make the life at the Phelps farm eventful and riotous, it is full of affection and laughter. And also, the character of Aunt Sally reminds us of. that of Olivia, Twain's wife. His autobiography proves that Olivia poured out her prodigal affections in kisses and caresses. Twain built up the affectionate image of Aunt Sally on his dearest wife. Although the Phelps farm is the best home to Huck, he refuses to be adopted into the Phelps. It is partly because Huck avoids being educated by Aunt Sally, but actually because Twain had to avoid a happy ending in order to write a sequel to Huck Finn. Only by leaving his best home for the Territory, Huck could be a hero among readers in the days called "the Gilded Age' His refusal of the Phelps farm seems to us Twain's refusal of the whole Southern society, which fact means the ending of the novel is highly effective as an irony.
2005-03-31

Phelps農園再考 : Aunt Sally and Huck

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