Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
by Mark Twain
Contents
CHAPTER XVII
Overview
Huck, separated from Jim, is taken in by the aristocratic Grangerford family under the alias “George Jackson.” Their hospitality contrasts with their armed vigilance against the Shepherdsons. Huck bonds with Buck, admires the home’s refinement, and learns about the deceased daughter Emmeline’s morbid art and poetry, revealing the family’s values and looming feud.
Summary
At night, Huck is halted at a large country house by barking dogs and armed men. He gives the name “George Jackson” and, after a cautious entry and a search for weapons, is accepted as not being a Shepherdson. The family secures the door, keeps guns ready, and then offers him warmth and food.
Huck meets Buck, a boy about his age, who helps him change clothes and chatters eagerly. Downstairs, the family—led by the gray-haired gentleman and his wife Rachel—feeds Huck as he spins a story about falling off a steamboat and losing his family, earning an open invitation to stay.
In the morning, Huck momentarily forgets his alias but cleverly has Buck spell “George Jaxon,” fixing it in his memory. He observes the Grangerfords’ stylish house and furnishings, noting their refinement and pride.
Huck learns about Emmeline Grangerford, the deceased daughter who drew mournful pictures and wrote morbid “tributes” to the dead. He reads her scrapbook, admires the family’s devotion to her memory, and even tries to compose a tribute himself, though he cannot manage it.
Throughout, the family’s easy hospitality sits beside their readiness for violence; they had roused with guns and questioned Huck about the Shepherdsons. Huck bonds with Buck, enjoys the abundant meals and music, and settles into the household, sensing both comfort and the shadow of a simmering feud.
Who Appears
- Huckleberry Finn (as "George Jackson")Protagonist; gains refuge with the Grangerfords under an alias, earns their trust, and observes their home and customs.
- Buck GrangerfordHuck’s peer; friendly and eager, helps dress Huck, talks freely, and hints at the family’s feud readiness.
- Saul Grangerford (the old gentleman)Family patriarch; cautiously admits Huck, organizes armed vigilance, then offers protection and hospitality.
- Rachel Grangerford (the old lady)Matriarch; insists Huck be fed and cared for, tends Emmeline’s preserved room and Bible reading.
- Bob GrangerfordAdult son; stands armed during Huck’s entry and jokes with Buck after the alarm.
- Tom GrangerfordAdult son; joins Bob with guns during the tense introduction, then relaxes once Huck is cleared.
- BetsyEnslaved woman; quickly prepares food for Huck at Rachel’s request.
- Emmeline GrangerfordDeceased daughter; remembered for somber drawings and death “tributes,” symbolizing the family’s sentimental culture.
- Grangerford daughtersTwo young women; present during Huck’s welcome, sing and play music, embodying the household’s refinement.