Trisha Wehrle make some valid point and I do agree with the idea that the river in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn a symbol of Huck maturing. Huck learns lessons or has to over come some kind of obstacle though out his trip down the river. He has to deal with moral dilemmas and makes the decision to take action. This is testing his ability in enter in manhood. By the end of the trip the river has served it purpose of helping Huck mature.
Huck show he has matured by the end of the story when Tom (Huck friend) is shot and could die. He is very concerned for Tom and is willing to get himself in trouble to say Tom. In the beginning of the story Huck is fascinated with deceiving people, getting away with things, and even faking death. Not only has the river served as a adventure but also as a place to grow and mature into manhood.
I don't think the river helped Huck mature, or the river is a symbol of Huck maturing. The Mississippi serves more as a timeline in Hucks life and does not actually change him.
Posted by: Kiol at September 28, 2006 01:10 AM