Question

Read the excerpt below and answer the question.

TWO or three days and nights went by; I reckon I might say they swum by, they slid along so quiet and
smooth and lovely. Here is the way we put in the time. It was a monstrous big river down there-sometimes a
mile and a half wide; we run nights, and laid up and hid daytimes; soon as night was most gone we stopped
navigating and tied up-nearly always in the dead water under a towhead; and then eut young cottonwoods
and willows, and hid the raft with them. Then we set out the lines. Next we slid into the river and had a swim,
so as to freshen up and cool off; then we set down on the sandy bottom where the water was about knee
deep, and watched the daylight come. Not a sound anywheres--perfectly still -just like the whole world was
asleep, only sometimes the bullfrogs a-cluttering, maybe. (p. 114)
In at least 150 words, discuss how Twain uses the Mississippi River as a symbol for freedom in this passage, and explain
how the river functions in the novel. Cite examples from the novel to support your response.

Answer 1

In Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the Mississippi River is a powerful symbol for freedom. In the excerpt above, Twain describes how the river provides a sense of tranquility and peacefulness to Huck and Jim as they float down it. The river is described as "monstrous big" and "quiet and smooth," and the two characters spend their time navigating it at night, hiding during the day, and watching the sunrise in the mornings. This description of the river suggests that it is a safe and peaceful place for Huck and Jim, a stark contrast to the chaos and danger they face when on land.

Throughout the novel, Twain repeatedly uses the Mississippi River as a symbol of freedom for Huck and Jim. The river represents their escape from the societal constraints and prejudices they face on land, and their journey down the river represents their journey towards freedom. For example, when Huck and Jim come across a town that is celebrating a man's death, Huck realizes that he could never be truly happy living in such a society. He states, "It was a dreadful thing to see. Human beings can be awful cruel to one another" (p. 114). This realization motivates Huck to continue down the river with Jim, towards a more accepting and compassionate society.

In conclusion, Twain uses the Mississippi River as a powerful symbol for freedom in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The river provides a sense of peace and tranquility for Huck and Jim, and represents their journey towards a more accepting and compassionate society. Through the use of the river as a symbol, Twain highlights the importance of breaking free from societal constraints and prejudices in order to find true freedom and happiness.

Step-by-step explanation: