Huck Finn And The Mississippi River Essay

, Research Paper

The Mississippi River in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn , by Mark Twain, symbolizes the journey that one takes in life. The text reflects the way in which Huck and Jim feel about the river. During the times of peacefulness and calm, the river is depicted in a wondrous way. The text is long and flowing to reflect the feelings that Huck receives from the river. During times of turmoil, the text is short and choppy. The Mississippi River is just as unpredictable as life itself. One minute the River is calm and flowing peacefully. The next minute the River is on the rise and the pace begins to pick up just before Huck and Jim depart for their journey. A river twists, turns and is full of rocks leaving the readers with the feeling that one never knows the twists and turns life will take.

The Mississippi River also symbolizes freedom. This is true for both Huck and Jim. Huck is looking for freedom from his pap and being sivilized by the widow and Miss Watson. Jim is trying to escape from his life of slavery and the prospect of being sold down the river to another slave farm.