Huck's Heroic Journey: A Quest for Self-Identification

Huck is on a hero's quest of self-identification, resisting the beliefs of his society and embarking on a mythic quest to be humbled. Through this journey, the hero gains understanding, sympathy, and empathy for others. The mythic quest consists of three main stages - departure, initiation, and return - each with steps that transform the hero into the person he needs to become.

In order to understand any specific aspect of the hero's quest, it is necessary to consider the entire journey.

Typically, the hero initially refuses to participate in the adventure out of fear, but eventually a supernatural aid or sign intervenes to show the hero that they must begin the quest. The crossing of the first threshold represents a symbolic death and rebirth for the hero, marking a transformation into a new being. The hero is then taken to the belly of the whale, their ultimate destination. The road of trials consists of tests meant to challenge and assess the hero's strengths and abilities.

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The hero is aided by the goddess, encouraged to persevere in the quest, and faces temptation from the temptress. As the hero progresses, he undergoes a transformation akin to that of Christ - the Apotheosis. Upon reaching the goal of the journey, the ultimate boon is received, making the hero the master of both his original world and the one he has conquered. Eventually, the hero is compelled to return to his community and offer assistance to those in need. Should the hero resist this call to return, he is inevitably summoned back.

The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn does not cover all steps of a journey, but focuses mostly on the departure phase. Huckleberry Finn, portrayed as a natural man, is being raised by Widow Douglas, a religious woman symbolizing society. She aims to "civilize" Huck, but he finds her strict ways unbearable and ultimately runs away. (Twain p. 1).

Huck, as a natural man, rejects the constraints of civilization which hinder individual freedom. Society dictates that everything he does must align with its norms, discouraging and restricting individual freedom. These limitations, enforced by society, aim to control individuals and are seen as hypocritical by Huck (Steinke, J., 2003).

Huck points out the Widow's hypocrisy in not allowing him to smoke while she indulges in snuff herself. He realizes the need to seek out the truths of life on his own, leading him to embark on a quest. This adventure is Huck's call to explore beyond the limitations of his current society. Despite recognizing this call, like many heroes, Huck initially refuses to answer it.

For further information, explore some examples of satire in Huckleberry Finn by reading this essay.

Huck finds that the longer he attends school, the more accustomed he becomes to societal norms. Despite initially struggle with the ways of the widow, Huck eventually finds himself adjusting to living in a house and sleeping in a bed. Prior to the onset of cold weather, Huck would occasionally seek refuge in the woods for rest and relaxation (Twain, p. 11). This progression highlights Huck's growing acceptance of societal expectations, including attending school regularly and abiding by the norms of civilized living.

Although Huck enjoys these settings, he reverts to his natural self and environment to escape societal practices. In need of supernatural aid for his journey, Huck's father suddenly appears with a boot-print in the snow outside the widow's house, marked with a cross to keep off the devil (Twain p. 12).

Upon recognizing the boot-print as his father's, Huck understood that he needed to leave town before his father found him. His father's presence signaled the beginning of Huck's journey, prompting him to undergo a rebirth and become a new person as he crossed the first threshold. This transformation took place when Huck staged his own death by pulling out some of his hair, bloodied an ax, and placed it in a corner.

Huck experiences a symbolic renewal after he drowned the pig while faking his own death, holding it close to his chest to prevent it from dripping. This act allows Huck to break free from societal constraints and hypocrisies, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and moral development. By finding himself, Huck is empowered to assist others in their quest for freedom (Twain, p. 25).

Through his metaphoric death, Huck has broken free from the constraints of society that have prevented him from living as a natural man, liberated from society's regulations and expectations. Huck has successfully crossed the initial threshold in his journey. To fully embark on his departure, Huck must be taken to his ultimate destination, known as the belly of the whale. The Mississippi river symbolically represents the belly of the whale as it serves as Huck's primary mode of transportation during his adventure. It is on this river that Huck undergoes both physical and moral enlightenment.

Huck's significant act of humbling himself is evident when he apologizes to Jim, treating him as an equal and defying the societal beliefs and teachings he has grown up with. This moment signifies a shift in Huck's perspective, as he realizes the true dignity in showing compassion and respect towards others, regardless of their race. This is exemplified by Huck's own words: "It was fifteen minutes before I could work myself up to go and humble myself to a nigger; but I done it, and I wasn't sorry for it afterwards either" (Twain, p. 95) (Trilling, 1950, p. 35-38).

"In this one act, Huck becomes a heroic character. Embracing affection over his moral code, Huck decides to assist Jim in escaping from slavery. Huck's internal struggle showcases his deep involvement in society, which he is rejecting (Trilling, 1950, p. 35-38). The departure phase provides a hero with a sense of adventure, leading to the incorporation of further adventures and ultimately transforming the hero into a greater version of himself. Huck understands that the journey will only be successful if it results in Jim's freedom."

Through his efforts to assist Jim, Huck comes to understand the fundamental truth of life: that all individuals are inherently free and equal. The following sources further explore the themes of racism, society, and freedom in Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: Smith, S. (1985). Racism, society and freedom in Huck Finn. London: London Press Twain, M. (1994). Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Toronto: Dover Publications, Inc. ( original work published 1885) Trilling, L. (1977). On Huck's attitude toward Slaver. New York: University of Iowa Press. Steinke, J. (2003). Aim: What is society? Science skills: Brooklyn, New York. Fertel, R. J. (1990). Spontaneity and the quest for maturity in Huckleberry Finn. New York: Chelsea House Publishers.