Importance of the River in The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn

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Importance of the River in The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn

In the novel The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn the setting has a large

influence on Huck's character. The period of time that Huck lived in was a

distinct era. The country was changing rapidly. During this period steam

engines enabled rivers to be used as mass transportation, an idea that had never

been explored until now. Waterways were the first way in which large amounts of

goods could be transported efficiently. This drastically changed much of the

nation's economy. Huge factories were built in the north and southern

plantations tripled their production by using machines. There were many traits

of this era that can be seen by looking at the components of Huck's character,

his language, actions and thoughts. Some of these traits are sutle and can be

easily missed but others are very obvious and powerful. This period of change

was the setting of Huck's childhood.

One trait that is indicative of the era is the social class of Huck and

Huck's language. It is greatly affected by his social class and setting. The

broken English is a sign of Huck's low social class. In addition it also shows

that he is from a southern river town. This can be seen from his expressions

and accent. The language of the novel also assists the reader to get into the

laid back, southern mood of the book. By doing so the story is brought to life.

It seems as if someone were to bring you back to the time when the novel and the

events in it occurred.

Because of the rules of the time that Huck's character is governed upon,

Huck was never educated. During the early 1800s there was no law that required

children to go to school, therefore his low intellect has a strong impact on

Huck's character. It gives him a "plain and simple" outlook on life, this

trait can been seen throughout the book in Huck's character. One specific area

it affects is Huck's plans for his future. Huck only thought about what he was

going to do for present. Huck had an incapable father. He was thought of as

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