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Examples Of Coming Of Age In Huckleberry Finn

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The notion of “coming of age” refers to the crucial process in a person’s life in which one pieces together childhood lessons and societal influences to formulate a unique ethical code that defines his character. Contrary to the misinterpretation that people automatically mature over time, a pivotal element of development is when one must freely decide upon a set of values to live life by. However, depending on the level of parental guidance and influence through example and society’s acceptance of originality, this decision is harder for some than for others. In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain depicts the struggle of the son of the town drunk to discover his unique intellect in a society that demands conformity. Due to the lack of a stable parent or guardian to teach him the difference between right and wrong, in the beginning of the novel, Huck lacks moral conviction and lets Tom’s fantasies control his realities. However, when Huck takes the first steps of development by running away, he undergoes a period of learning on the raft, where he develops an understanding of the consequences of society’s evils through relationships with Buck and Mary Jane. Finally, Huck’s development reaches its climax when he makes the choice to rely on his own values and saves Jim.

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