When
the class was discussing The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn great importance
was placed on the symbolism of the raft. We came to a general
conclusion that the raft represents a model society; a place where Huck and Jim
could better their relationship, without worrying about society’s pressure.
Huck and Jim can speak to one another as equals and lines become to blur.
Jim’s relationship with Huck becomes more paternal, and Huck even though
he acts naïve knows he appreciates Jim.
The
quote I chose to analyze involves the river and not the raft.
“So, in two seconds, away we went, a sliding down the river, and it did
seem so good to be free again and all by ourselves on the big river and nobody
to bother us” (Twain, Pg.218). Huck and Jim view the river as freedom. Jim uses the river as an Underground Railroad
to escape slavery. Huck uses the river to escape his old life characterized
by an abusive father who only wanted his wealth and the teachings of Miss
Watson.
The
river and not the raft is where Huck and Jim feel most comfortable with each
other. The raft which can be seen as a Utopian society
still has Jim tied up sometimes. The river is dynamic and ever-changing just
like the relationship between Huck and Jim. Huck’s relationship with Jim is rocky
sometimes because he has to fight the moral dilemma imposed on him by society,
but it can be smooth and calm when they enjoy each other’s company.
The
river also represents the dangers that come with freedom.
In escaping a daily life characterized by rules and guidance Huck was
able to receive the sense of adventure he wanted. When traveling down the river he runs into a
gang of robbers, saw the Grangerford family get murdered, and met two
con-artists- the king and the duke. Even though Huck is free there are
limitations to his freedom because of the dangers.
I
chose to look at the river because I believe it represents true freedom, while
land represents the conventional life guided by rules and society.
The river also represents the dynamism of Huck and Jim’s relationship.
It can be calm and flowing with ease or it can be rough and hard to make
out.
I agree with your analysis of the river. However, how do you think the fog scene and the scene where Huck and Jim's raft gets struck by a steamboat play into your perception of the river? In those two scenes the river is more of a stress to them than it is a comfort, so why does Twain choose to put those scenes in the book?
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time agreeing with you when you say the river represents "freedom" because in many ways I think that Jim and Huck are actually vulnerable to the river and they have no control over what the river will throw at them next. Especially in Ch. 15 when they are caught in the fog and end up missing the spot where they needed to go north- and instead end up traveling farther south completely at the liberty of the river. I think in some ways the river actually sort of accentuates how little freedom both Huck and Jim really have. To respond to Trevors comment- I think that Twain describes the realness of the river, it being a natural flowing entity that cannot be controlled as a way of showing the vulnerable realness of the situation they are in that is masked with adventure.
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