The Struggle to Find One's Identity
In the novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, the main character
enters a transitional period of his life. This character, Huckleberry Finn, faces many
situations. Such as "Humble myself to a nigger"(95), forcing him to deal with decisions that
carry with them the ability to bring about change. Since transition can be defined as the
process of entering change, Huck begins searching for an identity which is truly his own. "All
I wanted was a change"(2). In determining his self image, Huck deals with conformity and
freedom by riding of his own identity, trying on different identities that do not belong to him,
and shaping these new found tributes into an identity which best suits his conscience. "'Is I
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn begins with Huck under the care of Widow
Douglas. "She took me for her son, and allowed that she would civilize me; but it was rough
living in the house all the time"(1). Huck has become so used to being free that he sees the
Widow Douglas' protection as confinement. Huck finds this unacceptable because he loses
his freedom amongst "The bars and shackles of civilization"(17). Huck wants to rid the
shackles Widow Douglas place on Huck. He wants to be "Comfortable all day, smoking and
fishing, and no books nor study"(27). Huck feels that he belongs out under the stars and in
nature, where the community cannot bound him. Huck then faces the return of his drunkard
father. When Huck's father comes back to the town, he only intends to steal money from his
son. "'I ain't heard nothing but about you being rich. That's why I come. You get me that
money tomorrow-I want it'"(23). Huck's own father does not feel one bit inclined to treat his
son with respect. Then his father takes him to a log cabin deep in the woods and Huck once
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