After reading the first half of the book, I have come to the conclusion that Huck Finn is a very involved character. There is much about his life and the reasons for his actions that the reader is kept in shadows of. We were, however, able to identify some of his intentions and the areas that represented solitude and confinement to him. These alone allowed a deeper knowledge of Huck Finn as the adventurer he so wanted to be.
In the beginning of the story and throughout, Huck spent time on shore in the midst of other folk. This forced him to deal with people he might not want to associate with, for they caused unwanted obstacles he must tackle. He was made to follow certain rules, wear chosen clothes, and go to church. This disabled Huck from being his own person, but instead made it so that he was who society wanted him to be. In the end, it seemed like the shore took on a role in HuckÕs mind, representing all the restrictions he was required to follow. It became the area that brought out a person he did not wish to be.
Most of HuckÕs time in the book, though, was spent on the river. Here, he was free to be himself, for there was no one to tell him what to do and no discipline of any nature. He was lazy, spending much time sleeping or dangling his feet in the water. He also felt fine to stay naked the whole time. The river led to many adventures, and Huck was able to participate earnestly and lie his way out of trouble, if necessary. Overall, he was able to be who he wanted to be and not who society thought he should be. The river represented his freedom, and this Huck kept at the very top of his mind, for he didnÕt want anyone taking that away.
Overall, in this first half of the story, we were shown, as the reader, a very big difference in life on the river compared to life on the shore. What each represents to Huck even brings out a bit of his character. We can see that he is in desperate need to be an individual and not have to live by other peopleÕs standards, and I think this is proved even more through the adventures and risks he puts himself through. It seems like Huck is constantly trying to stand out and surpass other adventurers, making me wonder if he just needs a little respect and affection.
All in all, I am eager to see if this will be earned or not, and whether he will continue to live so carelessly in the second half.
Read my final thoughts to Huck's adventure by clicking here!