What if societal conventions had no influence on human development? Would the human race be more individual and less prone to the common "herd mentality"? Yes, most opinions and ideas are based on what is deemed by society to be acceptable or fashionable. In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, society is represented by the shore and its inhabitants; freedom is represented by the river. In the novel the protagonist, Huck, shuns life on the shore in a quest for freedom and individualization. Life on the river affords more opportunity for human development because it allows for freedom, comfort and individualization.
The freedom that the river provides allows for Huck to choose his own path and destination not only physically but metaphorically. On the shore Huck is under the authority of anyone who is socially superior to him. He is often told authoritarian commands such as "don't put your feet up there" and "sit up straight" (4). Huck is put in "starchy cloths" (20) and is told how to behave, where to go and when to go there. On the river Huck experiences freedom that is not available on the shore. He can smoke, cuss, and get dirty without being told "what a mess [he] is always making" (16). The freedom he experiences naturally allows him to be more comfortable and carefree.
A comfortable environment away from stressful situations is and ideal setting for clear development of thoughts. The shore is full of hypocrisy and conflict between individuals. Huckleberry describes life on the shore as "cramped up and smothery" where as the river is tranquil and "perfectly still- just like the whole world [is] asleep" (113). Due to the lack of interruptions faced on the river, Huck discovers the ability to clearly think through possible solutions to different problems instead of being forced to make on the spot conclusions. Huck eventually proclaims, "there warn't no home like a raft" (113).
