Without any doubt, he chooses the latter option, and sets off unabated by faking his death and stealing an old canoe. The Mississippi River acts as Huck’s getaway in this instance, as well as many instances in the future involving menacing towns and criminals pertaining to the land. This idea of evading unwanted circumstances through isolation demonstrates that the river is a symbol of serenity, and acts as a pacifier throughout the story. In Huck and Jim’s first couple of days traveling, Huck narrates “So in two seconds away we went a-sliding down the river, and it did seem so good to be free again and all by ourselves on the big river, and nobody to bother us”, describing how solitary and open the river is (Twain 29). Huck and Jim always seem to gather fortitude and strength through the peace of the river, especially during their first few ventures. It allows for both of them to be carefree and childlike for a while, since the river acts as a rejuvenator as well. These things make the river almost seem like a paradise in comparison to the rest of the world, and it shows what Huck and Jim’s beliefs are in regard to freedom being the answer to all of their …show more content…
It functions as a method of escape and a place away from slavery and abuse as well, which ends up granting both Huck and Jim with solitude in which they can bond and grow a thorough friendship. Since the river is also primary method of transport for Huck and Jim, both use it with ease and without restrictions to elude the evils of society and journey onwards. Unfortunately, the river also drives them downstream towards threats that endanger both Huck and Jim, regardless of all indications of virtuosity originally perceived. The river ends up being ruthless and unforgiving in its route, always being the driving force to the next opposition. Throughout these somewhat miserable events, Huck learns a very valuable lesson about freedom: it comes at a price, and you must be a good person in order to create moral coherence. In learning these lessons, Huck discovers the depths of oppression existing in an uneasy society and the contrast it has with freedom of the river and the wild world. Huck also comes to appreciate Jim as a genuine person and a true friend, creating substantial differences in how he comprehends racism and slavery as well. Thanks to these moral and ethical realizations, the river’s representation is given quite simply as a path to realistic freedom,