In both fiction and in real life, made up characters and people are constantly searching for their true identities. In the novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, Huck escapes from what he is not in order to find who he truly is. Twain uses this escape or journey as a tool for Huck's search for his real identity. On his journey Huck is swept through a series of reckless escapades where he switches from being Sarah Mary Williams to George Jackson to Tom Sawyer, but in the end these adventures bring him closer to himself.
             Huck knows within the first chapter, who he does not want to be: the civilized, clean, pious young man that Widow Douglas and Miss Watson are forcing him to become. Huck detests such people, let alone wants to be one. When once again Huck falls under his father's will, he feels more like himself because he is not restricted from doing the things that he enjoys: being dirty, cursing, and smoking. Although Huck is more liberated than before, he stays restrained under his father's anger, neglect, and abuse. Once he escapes, Huck finally begins his journey to find his own life, and himself.
             On his journey down the Mississippi River, Huck is moving away from what has recently been his place of lodging. The physical distance between Huck and Widow Douglas and Miss Watson and their notions, induces Huck to think freely and for himself. He is not constantly being nagged and berated. Between his various adventures he has some quiet time that he uses for inner thought. Huck is a very introverted person by nature. This trait is shown throughout the book as Huck battles with himself over several different items, including informing Miss Watson of Jim's escape.
             The raft, as the mode of transportation, stands as key symbol consistently through the novel. It is a world away from the events on the shore, untouched by civilized society. Huck thin
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