For all its power and majesty, the river in Twain’s work was often a source of freedom. It acts as an adventure playground for Huck Finn, breaking loose from the constraints imposed by the Widow Douglas, and for his companion, Jim, the journey up the Mississippi will bring freedom of the most vital kind—from slavery. Though the pair are bent on escape, heading northward on a home-made raft, there are delights and diversions along the way—lazy mornings, sweet breezes, refreshing swims. Huck (and, you sense, Twain) never loses his sense of awe.
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH HIM | More Intelligent Life
This article on Mark Twain’s relationship with the Mississippi just lost my serious attention when the author describes Huck and Jim heading north on the raft. North? Really?
(via Instapaper)
