Extracts from this document...

Introduction

Author Mark Twain explains his opinion through the book The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. He reveals how two diametrical characters can truly be compatible. He uses two characters, a slave and a teenager to develop an adventurous plot in which they journey down the Mississippi River escaping from the hardships of their lives. Twain also uses symbols throughout the plot. One of the most important symbols Mark Twain uses in the novel is the Mississippi River. As a child Samuel Langhorne Clemens grew up in Missouri near the Mississippi River banks. Samuel Langhorne Clemens pseudonym Mark Twain was fourteen years old when he decided he would become a liscensed river-boat pilot. During the beginning years of the Civil War, Samuel Clemens' job was postponed when the Mississippi River traffic ceased. ...read more.

Middle

The river served as a refuge for Huckleberry from his alcoholic father when he would abuse him. When Huckleberry sees a canoe and some drift wood floating towards him, he realizes that down the river will probably be his safest route. Readers would notice that Huckleberry views the raft as safe and comfortable while he is heading down the river with Jim (a runaway slave) when he says "We said there wan't no home like a raft, after all. Other places do seem so cramped up and smothery, but a raft don't. You feel mighty free and easy and comfortable on a raft." The river is also used as security for Jim so he will not worry about how he will be sold to a man in New Orleans in risk of being split from his only wife and children forever. ...read more.

Conclusion

As Huckleberry is tearing his letter to Aunt Polly he says to himself " All right then I'll go to h**l." This quote shows maturity by Huck making an adult decision and doing what he feels is right by not telling of how he knows where a runaway slave is located. Thus, while on a courageous journey to save a new friend Huckleberry gains more than he bargained for. He gains a sense of responsibility. In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the river was used for a journey and as an escape. Understanding the symbolism of the Mississippi River helps the reader to realize the important role the river played in the novel and the important role the river has played in people's lives. The symbolic river helps the reader to better understand the characters and appreciate the author's perspective. ...read more.

This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our University Degree Mark Twain section.