Oftentimes an individual becomes separated from society because of an aspect of the character’s nature and society’s expectations. In Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, Huck is estranged from the society in which he lives. This alienation, however, has positive and transforming effects on Huckleberry Finn as he defies society in search for the significance of life.
The estrangement of Huckleberry Finn from society is sparked by Huck’s unstable background. Huck, whose dad is a drunken bum, is moved from place to place in search of a permanent home and belonging. Huck constantly defies rules and structure because he has never been introduced to conformity. While living with Miss Watson, Huck argues against his guardian’s requests to pray, attend church, eat with manners, and dress properly, all things the society in which Huck lived practiced unfailingly. Miss Watson, and many others, tirelessly attempt to transform Huck into a young man with suitable decorum. Huck refuses to listen to the conformities of society. He dreams of living in the woods, like Tom Sawyer, and roaming free, fighting off bandits, and living with aimless adventure. Huck’s father or lack thereof, has cause Huck to fight society. Huck’s father encourages and guides Huck to leave society, the only thing stable in Huck’s life, as Huck and his father escape normality and run for the wilderness. Huck does not fit in anywhere. He does not belong with society because he cannot understand ordinary people and their lifestyles. He does not belong with his father, who beats him and uses him for money. Huck is lost and cannot find love, direction, or purpose. His father once again causes Huck to run from his life. Huck, in desperation, fully separates himself from society and finds his home on the Mississippi River. Huck uses the river as an escape from society. The river is a place where he is completely isolated; he cannot be touched or altered. He is on his own and alienated from society.
On the...