The Power of Omens, Signs and Superstitions: A Case Study of the Characters Huck and Jim in Mark Twain’s Novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Abstract

This dissertation examines the significance of the elements of signs, omens and superstitions in Mark Twain’s novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, from a literary perspective by looking into the role of various omens presented in the novel and their effect on the main characters. Therefore, the sociocultural approach is used in order to enrich the interpretation of omens and their significance within the narrative. Thus, the work is divided into two chapters. The first chapter tackles the historical and cultural background of nineteenth-century America and focuses on society and slavery and the role of religion and superstition in forming and shaping the American character, and defining omens, signs and superstitions as the main folklore beliefs and the psychology behind believing in them. The second chapter takes the novel of Mark Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, as the main source to study omens, signs and superstitions and their impact on the major characters. Therefore, this dissertation came up to the conclusion that omens and signs had impact on Huck that is appeared in his victory in fighting his deformed conscience whereas, for Jim, omens were the source of fame, reputation and guidance to his freedom. They also affected and shaped his relation with Huck and made them true friends.