Huckleberry Finn’s Journey Into Manhood Essay Example

fire that might reveal him, show that he is still a frightened and lonely child.

When he meets Jim on the island, is confidence is stimulated as he chooses to become a leader in the plan to find a better life. Houck is shown as a courageous young gentleman when he accepts the risk of being revealed and brutally punished in a successful attempt to free Jim from the confinements of the Phelps family. The union of Jim and Houck sparked the development of a scared child into a courageous young man.

As Houck Finn made important decisions based on his opinions, his personal thoughts became more independent and less influenced by others' ideas. For example, Husks personal thoughts about religion and prayer were strongly guided by Miss Watson, "... And she said the thing a body could get by praying for was 'spiritual gifts'. " Houck chose to allow others to influence his ideas because his knowledge of many subjects was minute and the ideas of others seemed to be logical.

He most noticeably develops his independent thought when he comes in contact with a major conflict. Husks struggle was whether to help Jim receive freedom from the slavery of Miss Watson or capture Jim and send him back to Miss Watson. He solves this conflict by using his best Judgment of the situation, and he chooses to continue Jims escape from slavery, which creates a great bond between the two. The development of Husks own personal beliefs gave him the confidence of a mature young man.

In many instances, water is a symbol of rebirth. As Houck ventured down the vast Mississippi River,

he encountered many events that changed Houck from a foolish, naive child into a mature man. Some of the attributes off mature man include responsibility, courage, bravery, confidence, and independence. In the successful plan to free Jim from slavery, Houck acquired these mature characteristics. Huckleberry Finn represents the Journey into manhood.