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Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and the Theme of Nature

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The novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain has many different, intertwining themes. The book spotlights the personal growth and development of the protagonist, Huckleberry Finn, through the theme of nature. The importance of nature is shown in several ways like the symbolism of the Mississippi River, through the forest and Huck’s time spent living there, and by the argument of human nature versus civilization. While there are many different themes throughout the novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the aspect of nature and its significance is extremely important and is vital to the plot and character development of the entire book.
The Mississippi River is one of the most important aspects of the novel. The …show more content…

When he goes to live with his father, he likes that a bit better because he lazes around all day and once again is allowed to swear. However, when Huck’s father becomes very abusive, Huck decides to leave and live by himself. The Mississippi symbolizes Huck’s freedom from society, as well as from his alcoholic father. The raft also symbolizes peace. When Huck and Jim were floating down the river on the raft Huck explains how it feels through this quote, “We said there warn'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” (128). Being on the river definitely gave Huck and Jim a sense of freedom that neither one had before. This quote is in response to how much Huck is disturbed by the childish Grangerford/Shepherdson feud, and really exemplifies the peacefulness and comfort the river provides Jim and Huck compared to the irrationalness of society. The feud can represent an extreme example of social conflicts and the relationship between black and whites. The river is the only constant of Huck and Jim’s life, and is basically their home; it is their place of comfort.
Another important piece of the theme of nature is the forest. Huck grew up living in the forest with his father, and felt very comfortable living without the rest of society. Widow Douglas

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