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How Does Huck Escape From The Mississippi River

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How Does Huck Escape From The Mississippi River
Rivers have a peaceful flow to them that allures people away from the judgmental world around them. The Mississippi River’s swift current makes it an easy escape from land, which is associated with conformity and civilization through the novel. Huck, Mark Twain’s main character in “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”, finds equanimity in the countless days he spends on the river. Twain uses the Mississippi River to shield Huck from civilization, symbolize freedom, and portray the troubles Huck’s undergoes throughout his journey. The river gives Huck protection from the civilized world by allowing him to get away from the land, where most of his conflicts take place. These are the beginning conflicts on land that drives Huck into the water …show more content…
The river allows them to leave their past behind them and be free from the constraints they would have on land. The rapids of the raging river are his savior from the imprisonment he feels with his abusive father as well with the high expectations of society. Huck never really fit in with the guardians demanded him to be something he was not, which is why he “[feels] mighty free and easy and comfortable…” floating down the river away from the expectations of those who are set in their ways. Furthermore, Huck and Jim feel complete freedom in the river and “[they] was always naked, day and night” because they could “[lay] off comfortable all day…” (Twain 18, 90) Huck and Jim believe there is “no home like a raft” because they are free to do what they please without conforming to the strict standard society …show more content…
Not only does it protect them from having to conform to the rules of society, but it gives them a since of freedom as well. The Mississippi River was not always smooth sailing which depicts that Huck and Jim’s journey for freedom was not a simple trip either. The river is always moving and changing directions just like Huck’s life and the freedom people have from conformity. The Mississippi River is much more than a compilation of water, it is a place of peace, and it symbolizes freedom from civilization and freedom

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