Throughout Huck's journey on the river in pursuit of "freedom," he may have been indirectly searching for a proper home among the characters whom he encounters. In Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the characters that represent a parental figure in different aspects of Huck's development include Mr. Grangerford, the Widow Douglas, and Jim. A parental figure can be distinguished as an idol, a teacher, and a friend. With this in mind, it is easy to say that the characters mentioned above personify a parental figure to Huck. Mr. Grangerford, whom Huck admires and perceives as a gentleman, accepts him as part of the family. The Widow Douglas, who loves Huck dearly, attempts to convert him from his old, delinquent self to a gentleman, unlike his father, Pap. Jim, the man who Huck helps escape to freedom, represents a parental figure who puts others needs before his, and teaches lessons in which Huck cherishes.
             Mr. Grangerford, in Huck's eyes a gentleman (Twain 104), represents a parental figure that Huck looks up to and acknowledges in a positive manner. "[He] enjoys living with the Grangerfords [and feels accepted], especially because they have good food and 'just bushels of it too!'" (Coles 28). Huck also admires the close-knit family environment and "to him the Grangerfords are a wholly admirable family" (Coles 30). Huck's description of Mr. Grangerford shows a well-rounded, strong and stable man whom he admires due to the lack of male influences he has had in the past. Huck also may have accepted Mr. Grangerford because he is the first white male on his journey that cares for his family and their well being. The times Huck spends with the family contrasts greatly from his stay with Pap, and to Huck &
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