In Twain's novel, Huck Finn, there are numerous on-shore incidents, which provide insight into Huck's character, as well as contribute to the plot as a whole. By highlighting a few different scenes, the many facets of Huck's personality will begin to shine through. This, in turn, will help to explain to readers the adolescent's struggle with the transition from boyhood to manhood, including the process by which he matures, learning through his own experience, and not being influenced by his elders. Although, this may be seen by many as rebellious, it is indeed a healthy way for Huck to truly discover who he is and what he wants out of life. .
Huck's skepticism of society, and the values held by the older generation, is apparent from the beginning of the novel. When the Widow Douglas attempts to "civilize" him, Huck runs away, in fear that he will be forced to conform to society's standards, without figuring out, on his own, how things "truly work." Huck always wants to examine things from both points of view before he formulates an opinion. A good example of this attitude occurs when Huck meets Jim on the island. Rather than criticizing or torturing him, like Tom, Huck gives Jim the benefit of the doubt, and gets to know him as a person, not just a "slave" or a "colored man." .
Given the option of loneliness or independence, Huck chooses to return to town; however, as soon as he gets back, so does his deadbeat father. Huck is once again placed in the custody of his father, alienated from friends, and his own free will. Locked in a cabin in the woods, Huck has plenty of time to think about the direction in which his life is going. He can stay locked in the cabin and submit to the will of his father, becoming powerless. However, if he escapes, there may be hope of an adventure, which will, in turn, lead to self-discovery. By staging his own murder, in the cabin, Huck becomes, figuratively, dead to society and its reign over him.
