2006, Form B. In many works of literature, a physical journey - the literal movement from one place to another - plays a central role. Choose a novel, play, or epic poem in which a physical journey is an important element and discuss how the journey adds to the meaning of the work as a whole. Avoid mere plot summary.
Revision of (11/11/2012)
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain observes the growth of the characters through their journey on the Mississippi River. For Huck and Jim, their adventure on the river symbolizes freedom, as each of them are escaping the struggles in their life. Huck begins to understand the society for himself as he comes in contact with various obstacles throughout the journey. He unveils the corruption in society and realizes the truth for himself. Jim wants to escape a life of slavery and reunite with his family.
Originally, due to Huck's old fashioned upbringing, he tried to not interact with Jim so he kept his distance. Huck was taught that slaves like Jim should not be treat as people but rather as property. However, he soon began to realize that Jim is an actual person whose feelings should not be hurt. At the beginning, Huck would play tricks on Jim like he did with rattlesnake. The enjoyment he used to get from playing tricks on Jim dwindled away once he realized how much his actions hurt Jim. This essentially became a turning point for Huck. This journey allowed Huck to grow as a person and accepts people based on their personality, not color. Towards the middle of the novel, Huck is given the option of either saving himself or risking his life by sticking with Jim. He made the decision to stick with Jim through thick and thin. Together, Huck and Jim try their best to overcome the obstacles thrown at them.
The Mississippi river, which they traveled on serves as more than just a traveling method. It holds a deeper meaning for Huck and Jim as it symbolizes the responsibilities and challenges that accompany a life of freedom. As the amount of freedom you have increases so does you responsibility to maintain that lifestyle. As exciting as having freedom may be, the challenge of leading a good life is still there. Their journey shows the development of the character turning into a more well rounded human being as opposed to the one viewed person they were. This pertains to Huck as he matured in a more accepting person and created his own opinions on the world.
As difficult as change can be, Huck's transformation has a lasting impact on his future. When he makes decisions now, they are shaped by personal experiences and personal thoughts. They are not influenced biased opinions from the people around him. His journey with Jim taught him independence to use his personal judgment. Jim became a father-like figure to Huck giving him a sense of self-worth. Jim taught Huck to be a more well rounded person and that has made all the difference in Huck's life.
