Symbolism in The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn

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Many novels have used symbolism to express certain feelings and emotions in discreet ways. What is symbolism? "The practice of representing things by means of symbols or of attributing symbolic meanings or significance to objects, events, or relationships" (Dictionary.com). Numerous authors use the same denotations to illustrate different thoughts or ideas. Mark Twain uses various symbols, such as the river and the land to expose freedom and trouble in his novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, uses various concrete objects, such as rivers, to symbolize a diverse range of feelings, emotions, and even actions. The ultimate symbol in the novel is the Mississippi River. Rivers often times symbolize "life itself, they are the flux of the world in manifestation, the macrocosm' (Cooper, 139)" (Protas, Allison). "River symbolism is based around water in movement" (Fraim, John). "On the river…Huck and Jim witness life and death, tragedy and comedy, strife and peace" (The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn). In this case, the river has served as a mechanism for the developmental maturity of Huck. Huck and Jim quickly discover is the key to happiness for them both. They begin to feel a special relationship between themselves, somewhat like mismatched friends. They realize they are beginning to rely on each other so much, that eventually they will need the other to survive. "The river symbolizes freedom, in contrast to the restrictions and responsibilities Huck experiences on land" (The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn). "A river can also provide a way of escaping from the culture of the nation. The stories of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn utilize the Mississipp...

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...e land" (TK, Angie). After several more detrimental adventures, one can easily understand why the land is such a vicious, unacceptable place to live life for Huck and Jim.

In conclusion, one can see Mark Twain uses various symbols to identify emotions in the classic novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Although many other authors use symbolism in their own personal novels, one can see that Twain's symbolism dramatically stands out. It is not difficult to point out the outstanding symbols Twain chose to represent in this all-time American favorite. Also, as a very accomplished writer, Twain is a role model for many aspiring writers from just this one classic. Many authors have learned and are still learning from this great writer. Although many may not be as good as Twain in using symbolism, they will learn over time; after all, practice does make perfect.

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