Symbols In Huckleberry Finn

HUCKLEBERRY FINN

Symbol

The Mississippi River serves as an important symbol in the book, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, towards Huck and Jim. The book pretty much takes place in and around the river giving it a huge significance. The river represents freedom for Huck, who is running away from his father and civilization, and for Jim who is escaping slavery. The raft they travel on becomes part of the river also creating a symbol of independence. They don't have to obey anybody or take any orders. The River also symbolizes the idea of adventure, and it takes them through all sorts of ups and downs. The river keeps flowing just like how Jim and Huck would keep going. The duke and the dauphin add to the adventure letting the river drag them along as well.

The River, however, also represents trouble for Huck and Jim. It takes them through all the destruction and danger that they had to face. It is also the root of all obstacles they are challenged with. The river simply becomes a quick route of escape for them.

HUCKLEBERRY FINN

Quote

"It was a close place. I took it up, and held it in my hand. I was a trembling, because I'd got to decide, forever, betwixt two things, and I knowed it. I studied a minute, sort of holding my breath, and then says to myself: Ð''All right, then, I'll go to hell' Ð'- and tore it up."

This quote represents the growth that Huck has made throughout the time they have spent on the river. He has finally accepted the fact that he cares for Jim too much to give him up to Miss Watson. He realizes that Jim is his friend and that is more important that doing the right thing. Before, he thought that saving Jim was a sin and he shouldn't do that, but now, even though he still thinks it's a sin