Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Lies and Deceit Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

"I hain't got no money."

"It's a lie. Judge Thatcher's got it. You git it. I want it."

"I hain't got no money, I tell you. You ask Judge Thatcher; he'll tell you the same." (5.19-5.24)

Huck has no problem lying later in the book, but here he's got some major scruples about lying to his dad. Why? It's not like Pap is overly concerned with his own honesty. (Check out Pap's "Character Analysis" for more.)

Quote #2

"It's a dead man. Yes, indeedy; naked, too. He's ben shot in de back. I reck'n he's ben dead two er three days. Come in, Huck, but doan' look at his face—it's too gashly." (9.18)

Jim knows that this is Huck's dad, but he doesn't want Huck to see—so he lies. Is it right for Jim to lie? Or should he have told Huck?

Quote #3

And so, take it all around, we made a good haul. When we was ready to shove off we was a quarter of a mile below the island, and it was pretty broad day; so I made Jim lay down in the canoe and cover up with the quilt, because if he set up people could tell he was a n***** a good ways off. (9.21)

Here's something to think about: Huck has a lot more leeway than Jim, because he can lie. But Jim's body always speaks the truth: he's a slave. Jim couldn't lie the way Huck does even if he wanted to.