Factors In The Development Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain

Throughout time, the growth and maturity of an individual has been a common theme in literature. Often times, a literary character initially appears juvenile to the reader in his or her age, thoughts and actions yet, as the story develops, grows into a mature and dependable individual. Many positive and negative factors can influence the growth of an individual and the evolution of personal character. These factors can include external forces such as an individual’s surroundings, their personal relationships with others, and the conflicts and challenges they face in life. However, there are also innate forces that can influence the growth of a person such as his or her moral beliefs and conscience, which sometimes are enough to overcome negative

The river is Huck’s escape route from the rules of society, and represents not only a new life for him but also for Jim, an escaped slave. Both Huck and Jim are trying to leave behind the tight grip society has on them. As neither Huck nor Jim were free to do what they wanted back “home”, the river and raft become their independence. Jim and Huck use the raft and each other to create a home and realize that “there wasn’t home like a raft, after all. Other places do seem so cramped up and smothery, but a raft doesn’t. You feel mighty free and easy and comfortable on a raft”(Twain,128). While on the raft, Huck begins to relate with his surroundings, nature, which gives him time and space to think for himself. On the raft there is no discrimination. Huck and Jim are equals. Even though Huck is still young in age, he knows it is time to start forming his own opinions and not follow the lead of others. It is here, that Huck truly understands the cruelty of slavery and how brutal society can be to other human beings simply because of the color of their skin. This realization strengthens Huck’s ability to stand behind his values and reject society’s