Huck Finn’s Evolution from the Ideals of Naturalism Mark Twain’s satire The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn portrays society’s culture in the south and its power to influence people. As the narrator, Huck Finn, travels south on the Mississippi River, his perception of the world around him evolves as he makes a major moral decision, and undermines the ideas of naturalism. However a newly found conscience comes at a price, the loss of his innocence and the realization of the functions of his society. These ideas are illustrated using various literary devices. Overall, this piece is a comment on culture and its ability to influence the qualms of an individual perception that are originally dictated by heredity and environmental factors. Twain …show more content…
These differing people form a friendship with one another. For example, sharing a meal or communion with someone is a sign of trust and companionship—“and whilst I eat my supper we talked and had a good time,” (42)—as Huck and Jim feast. This gives them a chance to find equality amongst one another in a common display of friendship. In addition, the raft represents common ground between Huck and Jim. It allows them to display their friendship from the disapproving eyes of society. Connecting the connotation of home to the raft, “we said there warn’t no home like a raft, after all,” (42) furthers their bond and contrasts the racial norms on slavery creating a powerful moment between Huck and Jim. The comradeship between Huck and Jim develops Huck's individual perception. Through this friendship, the letter Huck writes to Miss. Watson becomes an internal challenge that he needs to face. He has the choice to continue his current livelihood, or follow his consciousness. The boundaries of this internal conflict are pushed until Huck reaches an epiphany, “you can’t pray a lie,” (43) that influences his decision to sacrifice his religious views, and ultimately abandoning his will to follow society's