The Rude Awakening: Free At Last
             In the novels Huckleberry Finn and the Awakening, the search for individual freedom and authenticity is a path frequented by both novel's main characters, Huckleberry Finn and Edna. Both Huck and Edna are none too satisfied with their current situations and both characters resort to actually going against the grains of the societal beliefs of their respective time periods. Certain qualities of both characters also bear a striking similarity, especially regarding their positions in society. Huckleberry Finn is seen by society as a child, one who knows no better and whose place it is to be obedient and compliant of his guardians and elders. Likewise, Edna's position in society requires her to be a non-opinionated, completely submissive and amenable wife. This confluence between both characters' situations provides them the need for a similar plan for them to rebel against their society, and refuse to give in to a life of conformity.
             In Huck's situation, society's view of him as a "young'un", or child, is enough reason for the local conformists to refuse him any individual power. Huck's guardian, Miss Watson, has plans to transform him into the "perfect child", or in other words, the perfectly tractable and obedient child. She expects Huck to be both the model Christian and school student, and she expects no signs of individuality or unpredictability from his behavior. This prospect of life, based in the late 1800's, causes Huck to revolt against his aunt by running away from home. In doing so, he breaks his 'responsibilities' to society's ideals and breaks the mold preset for him by his society. Huck goes even further by doing the unthinkable - breaking his ties to the Southern white culture by aiding a slave, Jim, escape from Huck's own aunt's farm. Huck's adventure leads him to many different locale...