People often view nature as a peaceful place or a place of rest. They can escape to nature when they want to get away from civilization. This occurs in the novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, written by American author Mark Twain and published in 1884. The majority of the book takes place on the Mississippi River and other places in nature during the mid 1800's. The river represents peace, serenity, and an escape from society.
All events occurring on the river relate to peacefulness and freedom. The river serves as a place where Huck and Jim do not have to worry and they have freedom from their problems. Huck states, "You feel mighty free and easy and comfortable on a raft" (Twain; ch. 18, 117). They do not have to care about others, and they can do as they want. They possess freedom and do not have to disguise themselves on the raft; however, on land they always have to appear disguised as someone else.
The cover of the first edition of Adventures of Hu...
Illustration of Jim and Huckleberry Finn, by EW Ke...
mark twain Category:Mark Twain imagesThe river also represents a place where they could have fun. On the river, they "was feeling pretty good, after breakfast, and took my canoe and went over the river a fishing, with a lunch, and had a good time..." (ch. 40; 271). While on land, they work; although on the river, they can relax and enjoy themselves. Huck describes the river as peaceful and serene but also
somewhat somber. He also describes the journey as "kind of solemn, drifting down the big, still river..." (ch. 12; 65). At first, they feel lonely with only each other to talk to. Later on, they make the trip fun by running from adventures on land. While on the river, they experienced peacefulness, serenity, loneliness, and freedom.
Huck and Jim use the river as an escape...