Rubbing the Wrong Way (Metaphor)
When Huck complains to Jim about Tom Sawyer's habit of reading books being used to justify his authority over the other boys in the gang, Jim asks if that rubs Huck the wrong way. Huck is confused by the phrase, prompting Jim to suggest that if you "rake a fish’s back wid a fork head ta tail, ain’t gone matter much to him, but if’n you go ta other way…" The explanation helps Huck understand that the metaphor, in his context, means to be put off by Tom's behavior.
Little Fellow Sitting On His Shoulder (Metaphor)
When reflecting on Huck's friendship with the mischievous Tom Sawyer, Jim comments that “Tom Sawyer wasn’t really a danger to Huck, just a kind of little fellow sitting on his shoulder whispering nonsense.” In this metaphor, Jim suggests Tom is equivalent to a small being that sits on Huck's shoulder and competes with his conscience by providing a corrupting voice that convinces Huck to get up to no good.
Another Voice (Metaphor)
During their escape, Jim hopes to reach the place where the Mississippi connects with the Ohio River, which he believes will bring him closer to safety in a free state. Eventually, Jim listens to a hopeful sound downriver, telling Huck that “dere’s anudder voice." Huck is confused until Jim explains that it's the voice of the rushing Ohio River "tellin’ dat ol’ Mississip ’bout freedom." In this metaphor, Jim personifies the Ohio River, suggesting that it carries a message of freedom because it leads to free states in the North.
Fell Like a Firework Into the Water (Simile)
At the end of Chapter 21, Jim and Huck are alarmed to see a riverboat on fire after they just escaped murderous townspeople and the conmen. Jim comments: “A man on fire hurled himself from the upper deck and fell like a firework into the water.” In this simile, Jim compares the image of a body shedding a trail of embers to a firework's arc.
World Went Wet and Black (Metaphor)
When dogging for catfish, Jim catches a massive fish that grips his wrist. The 50-pound catfish struggles against Jim, who twists and turns as he tries to gain traction in the mud before ultimately falling. Jim comments: "The world went wet and black. I was submerged in the muddy Mississippi. I could see absolutely nothing." In this metaphor, Jim suggests that the world itself became devoid of light; however, this is only Jim's exaggerated impression of what happens when the murky river water blocks out his vision.
