Why We Named Our Son Huck

Huck.

In my life, until now, Huck has referred to two different things.

Of course, it is the main character from my favorite book of all time, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. It's not only a hilarious romp through mid 19th century American slave territory, but it is also a strong message against the deplorable act that brought our country to war against itself. The way that Twain brought the anti-slavery message across in that book was ingenious. He first humanized the slave, by making Jim a lovable character. Then, he made Huck grapple with the issue of spending time with and even helping to free a runaway slave.

By the time Huck decides to steal Jim from captivity and out of slavery, the reader is in love with the homeless ragamuffin orphan. By making the reader identify with, like, and even agree with a person who would steal a slave out of captivity was Twain's declaration that slavery was wrong. In reading this book, the reader will always find themselves rooting for Huck, the great underdog protagonist. So when he goes against slavery, the reader goes against slavery. Back in the day when it was published, it was an underhanded way to make readers, even pro-slavery readers, understand that slaves were humans, and the act of slavery was wrong.

Huck's statement "All right, then, I'll go to Hell!" (page 273) is a line in the sand. The slavery side was what southern society considered right, proper and lawful. The side Huck was on, the one he thought would send him to fiery damnation, is the side that the reader is always on, and that was Twain's statement against slavery. It is also a demonstration that Huck will follow what is deep in his gut, rather than what society says is right. That is his true heroism.

Twain's invention of this young man has captured me since I was ten years old and it still does today.

Huck - the action verb

1) A term generally used in extreme sports referring to a large jump, often without knowledge or regard for the risk or consequences.
2) The term can also be applied to risk assesment in everyday life, taking actions regardless of the risk or consequences. (A strengthening of resolve, as opposed to 'fuck it' which is a form of giving up)

1) "He hucked the jump over on the north corner, not even knowing about the gravel pit below"
2) "This may not be my best decision, but huck it, I'm going to try anyway"

I feel I may be taking a risk in naming him that. I hope he doesn't feel he has to live up to it so that it makes him send it off things he shouldn't be hucking. My guess is that he'll have the same reserve I do. Small cliffs, good landings, and thrive to ride another day.