American Symbolism in the Adventures of Huck Finn

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American Symbolism in The Adventures of Huck Finn. Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn shows many forms of symbolism throughout the novel. There’s no right or wrong in symbolism; therefore everyone’s opinion is correct. The only right or wrong in symbolism is which type of symbolism is the most recognized. I will argue that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’s most important type of symbolism in its story is to show how American society truly acts, and the error of its ways, such as the freedom of the Mississippi river, the immorality of slavery, the lies and cons of civilization, the concept of wealth or lack thereof, and the difference of civilized living and natural living. The Mississippi River is their key to freedom. Huck has the freedom to do as he pleases; he has no rules he has to follow by society or authority. He is his own man on the Mississippi River. The river does more than represent freedom. The river washes away sin (it washed away the bawdy house, and drowned the murderer, Pap), bestows wealth (including bountiful fish and valuable flotsam), and wreaks destruction (destroying both steamboats and towns). (Literary Places 3) The Freedom of the river, as in life, is not without its challenges. They used their wit and experience to get through all the difficulties they face on the river. On the raft, they are completely independent and determine their own courses of action. (Sparknotes) Society says that rules are laws that you cannot break; you need rules to be civilized, educated, and a good person. You must obey the law and do as you are told. These laws are put in place so, consequences can be put to use. If you have no consequences, then you have no laws. Imagine killing someone; law would state you would be put on death row or go to jail. Without law, you would not go to jail, so there are no consequences. Huck Finn does not

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