Freedom Theme, in Mark Twain´s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

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Many novels about American literature shows several themes to create the plot of the story. In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, it shows several different themes to illustrate freedom verse civilization. Author Mark Twain shows the society that surrounds Huck, a young child and an escaped slave, Jim. The journey down the Mississippi River leads both Huck and Jim into trouble. What both Huck and Jim seek is freedom, and this freedom shows the difference with civilization along the river. Both Huck and Jim are faced with the determination to escape from their own rules and the need for freedom, which is shown in different ways.
Freedom is not only from Huck's struggle in defining right and wrong, but also freedom from Huck's personal relationships with the Widow Douglas and his father. When he is unable to take the restrictions of life any longer, whether it’s emotional or physical, he releases himself and goes back to what he feels is right and what makes him happy. War and slavery were the biggest issues of this time. To Jim, freedom was more than important. When Jim and Huck meet up, Jim was trying to free himself. Jim was trying to free himself from Miss Watson who was threatening to sell him south, and he was also escaping the suspicion that he was Huck’s murderer. Huck is looking for freedom from his alcoholic dad. Jim wants to have freedom from slavery. Along the way, they encounter the violence, cruelty, greed and hypocrisy of the so-called “sivilized” society.
Traveling the river is in many ways a coming of age experience for Huck because it is during his travels that he is faced with the opportunity to make important choices and develop his strong moral character. Society's idea of civilization, which was ...

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...most picture the river described by the author. In reading this, you can sense the flowing of the river and the peaceful sounds that were outlined. Escape and freedom are illusions., "No matter where you try to run from yourself, there you are." Huck and Jim are trying to reach freedom, but, ironically, end up traveling down the river toward slavery. This not only outlines the calmness of nature but the ability for freedom.
Huck and Jim were set in a period of society that was or can be labeled as hypocritical, judgmental, and hostile. It is through the river that readers see each character grow and realize the capability they each have. Huckleberry Finn teaches his readers that they all must find relief just like he has, stepping away from the shore and into the freedom of the river, whether it be the Mississippi, or just a safe haven waiting to be approached.

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