Huckleberry Finn

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn takes place in two worlds, life on the river, and life on the land. Life on the river is dreamlike and tranquil, while the life on land is corrupt and evil. Land values are greed, meanness, naïveté, and arrogance. Huck ventures from the safety of this “womb” when he goes ashore, and must confront the wickedness of human society. The river values are peace, righteousness, and happiness. Nothing seems …

…From slavery to greed, Huck is in an endless battle with the cruel world. The river is still virgin, free of these impurities. It is here, that Huck feels at home. Perhaps once Twain realized he had much more than a child’s book, he purposely portrayed the land as cruel place and the river as a sanctuary, in hopes of making the land, and in the long run human values, more sincere and truthful.