Twain Scholar Shelley Fisher Fishkin Explores Huckleberry Finn’s Character Jim

Diverse Voices Book Review host Hopeton Hay interviewed Shelley Fisher Fishkin, author of JIM: The Life and Afterlives of Huckleberry Finn's Comrade.  In the interview she highlights the irony in Twain's portrayal of Jim, contrasting Huck's limited understanding with Twain's deeper critique of society. Fishkin emphasizes the need for teachers to be well-prepared to teach "Huckleberry Finn," addressing its complex themes. Fishkin also discusses the contributions of notable Black writers Ralph Wiley and Ralph Ellison to the interpretation of Twain's work. Shelley Fisher Fishkin  is the Joseph S. Atha Professor of the Humanities, professor of English, and (by courtesy) professor of African and African American Studies at Stanford University. Diverse Voices Book Review Social Media: Facebook - @diversevoicesbookreview Instagram - @diverse_voices_book_review Email: hbh@diversevoicesbookreview.com