Abstract

Mark Twain is one of the most prominent American writers who is also reputed as “the Lincoln of American literature.” The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is not only a Mark Twain’s masterpiece but also a remarkable book throughout the world. Set in 1970s after the Civil War, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn mainly depicts the story of Huckleberry’s adventures. Huck, the hero of the story, drifts on a raft down the Mississippi River with his friend Jim after escaping from his home. The novel presents the main theme of escapism though describing the typical image Huck, a typical representative escapist in that era. 

     The thesis will analyze the novel from the perspective of escapism. This thesis is made up of three parts. Escapism is one of common themes of American literature and has specific historical background. Chapter One introduces the historical background of escapism, the implication of escapism and representative works of escapism in American literature, which familiarizes us the concept of escapism. It makes the reader have a good idea of implication of escapism in different contexts.  Chapter Two analyzes escape theme in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn though the experience of Huckleberry’s escape, involving his causes of escaping and process of becoming mature, which indicates the great importance of growing environment for a child. This part also focuses on the significance of Mississippi River which marks the nature to treat a series of problems in society in that era: racial conflicts, morality crisis and the survival predicaments in America. Chapter Three analyzes the meaning of escape though associating historical context in that era, which implies that the Huck’s aspiration of freedom is the inner pursuit of the author. Meanwhile, the spirit of escape marks the Americanism typically. 

Key Words: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn; Escape; Escapism

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1  Introduction-1

2  Escapism in American Context-4

2.1 Historical Background of Escapism-4

2.2 Implications of Escapism-5

2.3 Escapism Represented in American Literature-6

3  Escapism in The Huckleberry Finn-9

3.1 Huckleberry’s Escape-9

3.1.1 Escape from the Widow Douglas-9

3.1.2 Escape from Ruthless Father-10

3.1.3 Escape from Inner Loneliness-11

3.2 Symbolic Meanings of Mississippi River-12

3.2.1 The Place of Escape-12

3.2.2 In Pursuit of Freedom-12

3.2.3 Return to Nature-13

4  The Significance of Escape in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn-14

5  Conclusion-16

Bibliography -18

Acknowledgments-20