Huckleberry Finn tells the story of young Huck Finn and his black slave, Jim, rafting down the Mississippi River. The novel captures a unique style from the beginning. Comparing it to a reversed roller coaster would serve as an understatement, as it takes on a flow that has long descending chapters followed by short uprisings much like the Mississippi River itself. Throughout the novel, the primary setting is cast upon the river, which serves as a backdrop for the entire novel. Mark Twain sets out to create the river as the central theme of the novel, which he does somewhat symbolically.
The river carries many symbolic meanings as the novel progresses. The river as a practical means of transportation along with the more subtle, hidden meanings are the main elements that the river symbolizes. Serving as a necessity for transportation and irrigation and even possibly for escaping, the river provides Huck and Jim with a sea of opportunities as they boldly seek adventure and freedom.
The intent of escape throughout the novel is established with how Huck and Jim use the river. Having other means of escape from Pap, Huck's father, Huck chooses the river again and again. Furthermore the Mississippi River, demonstrates the constant movement of the book, which is possibly why Twain chooses the river for each of Huck's adventures. If one compares the novel to the Mississippi River, one comes to understand why these two elements are closely linked. Twain's tremendous awe inspiring Mississippi River takes the center stage, highlighting its importance over every other part of the book as the plot unravels.
As the reader continues reading the chapters, the element of surprise is always introduced at random moments. Symbolically, much of the flow of the novel takes on the idea of the flow of The Mississippi River, marked by long periods of smooth water followed by sudden uproars of turbulence. .