Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn so innocently reveals the potential nobility of human nature in its beloved main characters that it can never successfully support anything 'as malicious as slavery. Huckleberry Finn and his traveling companion Jim, an escaped slave, are unwitting champions of humility, mercy and selflessness. The adventurous nature of the story and its noble characters celebrate freedom in the face of social and economic constraints, and it is apparent from the beginning, through its satirical depiction of human characteristics, that Twain believes that everyone deserves their own freedom. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Although Twain's story has the outward appearance of a childhood adventure tale, it is impossible to overlook the symbolic nature of the two "runaways" craving such adventure. Huck and Jim escape the social constraints of their world. Huck feels confined by his new “civilized” life, and Jim by his status as a slave. In Widow Douglas's house, Huck is not allowed to indulge in his old childhood pleasures. He feels trapped by the various rules and social expectations that the two widows try to impose on him. Jim is confined by the bonds of slavery to an uncomfortable and immobile place in society, a place that prevents him from being with his own family. Thus the two “prisoners” begin their escape to freedom. And while it is natural that Twain set the story on the wide and mighty Mississippi River where he spent part of his life, there is also a symbolic gesture in the setting. As Huck and Jim travel down the flowing river, they feel alienated from the stagnant society on the banks of the river. On the natural river they are freed from the faults and evils of human nature which exist in the artificial cities they have known. On the raft, there is no practical necessity for racism or greed. The boy and the slave are simply two travelers on their way to bigger and better waters. Twain largely succeeds in illustrating his support for the deserved freedom of the human condition through his main characters. Huck is an innocent young boy who relies only on his surprisingly sharp criticism of human nature and a kindness and gentleness of heart that he is not even aware of. Huck's youthful ignorance and lack of education enable the innocence that makes him such a believable and effective protagonist. Despite his age, he is still able to discern the often hypocritical actions of the adults around him. For example, he can't understand why the good people of the Grangerford family would be involved in something as horrible and ridiculous as a feud. When Jim becomes part of the trip, Huck, much to his misguided conscience, shows Jim mercy and, ultimately, respect. Showing respect to a slave would have taken a lot of humility for a white boy, and Huck certainly possessed humility. He had no desire for material goods, nor even a very strong desire for money. Jim's good nature and kindness are undeniable in the novel. He agrees to watch over Huck during their journey, and often does so at his own expense. The reader cannot help but admire Jim's love for his family and his kind and selfless nature. All of these characteristics – innocence, mercy, humility, kindness – are not elements that support the institution of slavery2E. Perhaps Twain is suggesting that the potential goodness of human nature that exists in his characters could exist in a world without slavery. use irony..