Huckleberry Finn vs. Holden Caulfield

Huckleberry Finn and Holden Caulfield make take journey into self-discovery. In The

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck Finn is trying to find purpose and identity through

conflicting of morals. While Holden Caulfield in Catcher in the Rye, is an adolescent

struggling to find mature into manhood. In comparison, they are both on a journey towards

maturity and identity. Life itself is a journey full of bonding and experiences which lead

to wisdom and understanding. Without maturity one may never have these essential

experiences. This leads to an empty shell of a person, never truly feeling passion, love or

peace.

Huck Finn is a young boy deciding which morals to hold true. The quest for what's right is

long and confusing. During his adventure is forced to choose between his morals and his

conscience. When Huck runs into the bounty hunters he is forced to make one of these

decisions. He must choose whether to turn his run-away slave friend Jim as his conscience

advises or to trust his morals and protect his friend in need. Fortunately, his will is

strong and he creates an elaborate lie to prevent Jim's capture. Huck seeks refuge in

nature, where right and wrong don't exist and life's beauty is what is truly important. He

mentions that nature is peaceful and he need not worry about either his morality or

conscience but is allowed to ponder these personal discrepancies.

Holden Caulfield, however, has a much more complex yet equally important struggle. His

struggle is of his own hypocrisy and misunderstanding. This struggle can be overwhelming

for some and it is for Holden who requires help to come to terms with maturity. Even though

he is constantly speaks as if he is experienced in connection and bonding, they were always

just faÿades. Holden thinks he is...