Huckleberry Finn Symbolism Quotes

In Mark Twain's novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, symbolism is evident within the first few chapters. Throughout the many experiences of Huckleberry Finn, (or simply Huck) themes of safety, security and stability are reinforced by the river which he, along with Jim and others, drifts down en route to freedom. On their way to this perceived freedom, they go along the river, which proves to be a safety net of sorts. The river and raft both represent freedom and protection, regardless of the chaos and inhumanity of the masses along the riverfront towns and villages. Why does Twain utilize symbolism as much as he does? Is he trying to confuse, educate or ensnare? These symbols are an integral aspect of Twain’s writing style and would explain the love people have for his novels. Twain tends to use certain symbols to illustrate and illuminate the darker parts of society, which were accepted by the general American population of the time. Within the novel

For example, Huck narrates how he felt “easy and comfortable on a raft” (Twain 134). This quote exemplifies Huck’s attitude toward the raft, one of the few places he feels calm and relaxed. Au contraire, the cities along the river contain disorder, insincerity, violence and cruel individuals; Twain uses these to contrast and amplify tranquility upon the raft. All through the novel, a repetition occurs— a cycle of the same events and happenings— simply with different players and variables. Twain, for whatever reason, decided to operate his story similarly to a Saturday morning cartoon serial; starting at one point, having adventures along the way, and ending at the beginning point. While this is not entirely true, the theory manifests itself throughout. The novel primarily consists of antagonists being encountered within the cities, feuds and issues arise, then most is forgotten once back to the asylum of the raft and