Huck Finn Freedom Analysis

According to weber.edu about “1,775,515 nonwhite individuals were enslaved in 1860” Sadly, slaves during this time period were very common. Jim, a character in the novel is a slave to Miss Watson. Although, freedom is not just shown by being free from slavery, it has other definitions. The novel shows three different types of men and what they consider freedom. The main character and narrator of the book, Huck has an abusive father who is addicted to alcohol. He also has the Widow Douglas who is his primary caregiver because his father is not able to. The Widow Douglas has strict rules compared to Huck's father making him go to school, participate in religion, and other common teachings. Therefore, Huck feels burdened in this task and desires

When Pap brings Huck to an isolated cabin in the woods, Huck is finally able to escape. He does this by faking his own death and finding a raft to travel the Mississippi River with. Huck claims “the river looked miles and miles across” as he gets on the raft. (Twain 34). To Huck, that is miles of freedom, and areas to explore without the strict rules of the Widow Douglas or his abusive father. This freedom allows him to leave his natural life, and travel down his path, which is the Mississippi river. Along the way he mets, Jim who is a runaway slave. During the time of their adventures Huck tries to keep Jim safe. Although, when Huck finds out that Jim has been taken he gets scared and writes a letter to Miss Watson to ask for help. He quickly realizes that this is not a good idea and tears up the letter. The widow Douglas previous teachings of prays have also had an affect, but Huck says, “All right then, I'll go to hell” to keep Jim safe. (Twain 215). Huck would never want to take away another man's freedom because he cherishes his own adventures. Along with being equal on the raft, Jim and Huck's adventures on the Mississippi rivers have allowed them to become friends. Huck and Jim's relationship shows how the river provides freedom to any man who is ready to take it. Along with the river, the raft also shows how both a black man and a white child can be equal during a racist time