Through out life, people are taught the simple idea of conformity. Pressures from all elements are applied to make society believe and act like a single body. In Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, freedom is a major theme in all aspects of the novel. The only way to be completely free is to be secluded from civilization. Society's constraints unable the ability to be one's true self, make decisions based on the heart, and to enjoy the simple pleasures of freedom.
             Since he was born, Huckleberry Finn has been a witness to the worst of society. Pap, Huck's father, is an alcoholic and is abusive. Widow Douglas is a great provider, but understands little about who Huck really is and what he desires. Even Tom tries to motivate him to be like his other peers during the planning of Tom's gang. He yearns to be his true self and to be free from all of society's constraints. Civilization has stripped him of his youth and innocence by trying to change him to meet accepted standards. "Pretty soon I wanted to smoke, and asked the widow to let me. But she wouldn't. She said it was a mean practice and wasn't clean, and I must try to not do it any more" (Twain 12). Huck escapes from his problems at home and finds his sanctuary on the river. Everyone has a certain place where they can get away and become their true self. The Mississippi River is Huck's place of freedom and while canoeing down the river, Huck commences to look deeper within him. He lives his life the way he wishes since he is finally free to explore the world unknown with an open mind.
             In today's society, people are always trying to impress their ideas on to others. It makes no difference what the topic or whether the "ideal" opinion is right or wrong, persuasive groups are out to change the way society believes. Often times, parents introduce religion to their offspring, expecting them to embrace ...