As stated by many in the past, a “journey away from
home” performs a large role in the theme “Coming-of-Age”. Conveniently, this
portion of the criteria was presented during the middle of Chapter 7, when Huck
decides to run away from his father’s cabin. The process was also quite clever
as he had managed to successfully fake his own death as well as stay hidden
from the search parties. This alone indicates a significant amount of use of
personal creativity and knowledge.
Finn also spends a considerable amount of time alone
on this journey (before he runs into Jim, that is). Coming-of-Age is a journey
of the self, where one comes into contact with who he or she truly is in
regards to his or her perspective on life. For instance, Huck learns to
appreciate the simple beauties of nature: “The sky looks ever so deep when you
lay down on your back in the moonshine; I never knowed it before,” (Twain, 36).
Huckleberry Finn is still in the process of Coming-of-Age,
except, rather than digressing from it, as he was when his father took him back;
he seems to be moving in a positive direction. As for Jim, he already seems to
be expressing his paternal side to Huck Finn as he proceeds to teach him
everything he knows after they meet on the island: “And Jim said you mustn’t
count the things you are going to cook for dinner, because that would bring bad
luck. The same if you shook the table-cloth after sundown. And he said if a man
owned a bee-hive, and that man died…” (Twain, 47). If nothing else, Jim is a much
better influence than Huck’s abusive drunkard of a father.
At the moment, the inner qualities of Huckleberry
Finn are beginning to blossom through this theme. One can only hope these
changes will be permanent.
Taylor, do you think that part of maturation is the necessity of being alone and learning from personal experience rather through a mentor or friend?
ReplyDeleteIndependence is a necessity as one will most likely follow his or her own judgment and reflect off of his or her own experiences rather than those of others, however, a positive influence can help shape a well-rounded mindset fit for making responsible life decisions, or "maturing".
DeleteI really like how you talked about him spending time by himself before running into Jim. I think this was sort of a big step because it seemed like to me, it was not common for him to be on an adventure ALONE. and the way he handled himself shows some sort of growth throughout his life. Meeting jim was a good thing in Huck's life, and I really like him as a character in Huck's life.
ReplyDeleteHey there Taylor! I agree with you that Coming of Age is the process of one finding his or herself, and that Jim's appearance is a really positive pressure on Huck's life! :3
ReplyDeleteThis may or may not be pertinent, but does one really stop growing as a person? Every day we face a new set of problems, meet new people, and encounter a vast array of situations; we grow with every experience!!~
:3c
People never stop growing as individuals because growth comes from experience and life is full of experiences. Just living to see what tomorrow will look like is a completely new, never-before experienced experience.
DeleteI agree with how you said "Coming of Age" involves independence. I believe someone can only truly find themselves when they are alone with nothing but their thoughts. In that moment is when a person can really dig deep down and realize who they are and what or who they want to become.
ReplyDeleteThat is exactly what I meant. I'm glad you agree ^_^
ReplyDelete