The story takes place during the antebellum, or pre-Civil War period, of the United States. This was a time of American growth and expansion and, in some states, plantations and slavery.
Jim says that he overheard Miss Watson discussing selling him for $800 to a slave trader who would take him to New Orleans, separating him from his family. Jim left before Miss Watson had a chance to decide whether or not to sell him. Jim and Huck discuss superstitions—in which Jim is well-versed—and Jim’s failed investments, most of which have been scams. ♀️
