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STUDYWORLD STUDYNOTES

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

The river ... a haven from society and a source for adventure. Huck travels down the river and is provided tools such as the raft, and adventure from the river. It is seen as separate from the surrounding areas and separate from civilization.

Maturity...Huck is forced to take care of himself because he has no parents. Although he is a young boy, he faces many problems that adults struggle with, and is forced to deal with them maturely. (Jim's freedom, confessing to the Wilk's...)

Growth and rebirth... After each adventure, Huck learns something new and become a new person.

Friendship...Huck never really had any true friend before Jim, but the time spent with him allowed the two to become very close.

Legality vs. Morality...Huck faces the question of whether he should obey the law and turn in Jim, or if he should risk a bad reputation and keep his friend happy.

Love...Jim loves Huck and he has been a true friend and been through many tough situations. Huck learns to love through his friendship with Jim, who is devoted and willing to do anything for Huck.

Racism...The novel is set in the South. Blacks are slaves with no legal rights and are faced with high degrees of discrimination. Their status is lower than that of a white person, and Huck grows up debating that reality. It is a barrier at first between himself and Jim, which they eventually realize and overcome.

Freedom ...Literally, Jim seeks freedom from slavery. Figuratively, Huck seeks to be free, and not have to live in fear of his father, or being civilized.

Society is wrong... As Huck travels down the river, he learns and does many things that would be contrary to the beliefs of society such as helping the slave escape. He also learns the idea that black people are people, too, despite the teachings of society.