In Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn, the Mississippi River plays many roles and holds a prominent theme throughout much of the story. Huck and Jim are without a doubt the happiest and most at peace when floating down the river on their raft. The river has a deeper meaning than just water and mud, almost to the extent of having it's own ideal personality. It provides the two characters a means of escape from everything and everyone, and puts them at ease. Although quite constrained in it's capacity to provide freedom of movement, the raft offers the two a certain amount of freedom in actions, words, and emotions. Huck senses this truth when he mentions how; "other places feel so cramped and smothery, but a raft don't. You feel mighty free and easy and comfortable on a raft." (Twain, 113) However, the freedom that is experienced on the raft can be deceiving. This freedom is only temporary and will not last forever. Huck and Jim cannot live on a raft traveling down the Mississippi forever and must focus on the main situation at hand, getting Jim his true freedom A freedom that stretches beyond the limiting reaches of a raft.
Huckleberry resents the objectives and beliefs of the so-called "civilized" people of the society around him.
The symbolism of the river is evident, whether it is interpreted as having an undeclared moral meaning or if interpreted as a device for progressing the story. The river can also be considered a god of sorts and that Huck is the servant of the river-god. But above all it provides motion. It is the means by which Huck and Jim escape from a threatening civilization. No matter which way one is inclined to accept this, the river does hold some higher role than just water and mud.
Another appeal of the river it's ideal peacefulness. It does not seem like Huck enjoys the company of others too much with the exception of Jim, Tom Sawyer, and secondary characters such as Mary Jane Wilks. He seems to enjoy a tranquil environment where there are not many unnecessary annoyances. When he and Jim anchor to watch the sun rise, he mentions that there was; "Not a sound anywhere- perfectly still- just like the whole world was asleep..." (113) With just Huck and Jim on the raft things probably would tend to be more quiet for two people can only talk for so long, as opposed to having mixed conversations with many people. He loves these moments which possibly last for even days at a time, for at one point Huck says; "Two or three days and nights went by; I reckon I might say they swum by, they slid along so quiet and smooth and lovely." (113) This degree of peace and appreciation of quietness took time to get accustomed to and strengthens every time they return from
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