American Literature

Through his The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn story, author Mark Twain explores the recurrent theme of the conflict between civilizations and nature based on various characters actions. In this case, civilization denotes the prevailing cultural values and customs in the society which Twain describes. On the other hand, nature denotes the innate inclination to search for autonomy or freedom as is evident through a number of the storys characters. To illustrate, Huckleberry Finn shows a constant urge to be free from unnecessary interference with his life. Specifically, Finn does not want to be retrained by societal obligations or expectations. In essence, the boy has a natural tendency to always be engaged in adventurous activities. Such a trait consistently conflicts with the attempts by Finns compatriots to restrain his naturally free spirit. For instance, Finn is opposed to the attempts by Widow Douglas and Miss Watson to make Finn civilized. By civilizing, the 2 ladies intend to force Finn to adopt culturally-accepted mannerisms and behaviors, for instance, by always being neat and generally well-groomed. This concept is very alien to Finn whose adventurous spirit does not give him ample room to indulge in self-grooming activities. Likewise, the experience of Jim - who is one of Miss Watsons slaves - demonstrates the concept of conflict between civilization and nature. For example, the very issue of being enslaved contradicts Jims own natural desire to be free. Culture and civilization - which hold that Jim ought to be a slave to Miss Watson - are thus depicted as contradicting Jims human nature to seek freedom. Further, Miss Watsons intentions of selling Jim to a fellow slave master makes things even worse. This is because such an act is bound to separate Jim from his family. Once more, civilization, which essentially views slaves as mere property that can be traded by slave masters at will, is shown as contradicting the human natural tendency to form and live beside a loving family. Conversely, the issue of a house been damaged by a raging storm demonstrates nature conflicting with civilization. All in all, through the The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn story, Twain uses the characters of Finn, The Duke and The King, Jim, as well as the floating house to demonstrate a persistent theme of nature conflicting with civilization.

To begin with, civilization requires Miss Watson and Widow Douglas to seek to instill into Finn the traits of proper personal grooming which however conflict with Finns natural tendency to be unrestrained and free. Consequently, Finn views the life that the 2 women introduce to him as being very confining. For example, the 2 ladies instructions that Finn should always remain clean and organized, as is required of him by civilization, are alien to Finn. On his part, Finn prefers a disorganized life that allows for adventure as opposed to the life that the 2 host ladies prescribe for him. Through such a description, Finn presents a clear illustration of nature conflicting with civilization.

In addition, after Finn encounters Jim - an escaped slave of Miss Watsons - the concept of nature conflicting with civilization plays out through the dilemma that Finn faces regarding reporting Jims presence. For example, all through his life, Finn has been taught that slavery is acceptable. Civilization has thus made Finn to appreciate the issue of slavery as an acceptable cultural construct. This notion is however challenged after Finn interacts with Jim and learns about the former slaves past life and the troubles therein. The natural humanity in Finn however makes him to demonstrate empathy towards Jim. Finn thus undergoes an ideological transformation whereby he changes his views about the concept of slavery, life, and people. Such a changeover makes Finn be torn between reporting Jims presence to the relevant authorities and keeping quiet in the interests of humanity. After struggling with these thoughts, Finn finally resolves to remain mum and even aid Jim in escaping from slavery. The author thus uses Finns thoughts on whether or not to disclose Jims hideout as denoting a conflict between civilization and human nature.

On the other hand, civilization is demonstrated as being at loggerheads with nature through the storm that carries away a whole house and makes it float on the Mississippi river. Nature, represented by the strong storm, is shown as fighting against civilization that is represented by the floating house. The storm has essentially made human life impossible because it has ravaged human residences, probably rendering them homeless. Through this episode, the author presents yet another case of such clash. The difference is that nature is represented by an inanimate entity - the potent storm. Likewise, the inanimate house represents civilization. Twain thus continues to build upon the theme of nature and civilization conflicting.  

Conversely, although they are made-up, the experiences that The Duke and The King undergo illustrate the theme of nature conflicting with civilization through their claim that tough seas made them miss their way. For example, the 2 men - who eventually turn out to be con artists  allege that a mishap at sea made them to lose their way. Through such a description, the author again shows nature wrecking havoc on civilization. Nature is in this case represented by the storms that hamper the duos travels by making them lose their way (Twain 414). On the other hand, the 2 obviously enlightened mens lives before the sea accident denotes civilization. By rendering The Duke and The King helpless victims of its acts, nature is shown to be an impediment to human civilized activities. Twain thus uses The Duke and The Kings made-up tales to further illustrate the theme of nature conflicting with civilization.

In conclusion, through his The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn tale, Twain consistently threads the theme of nature being in conflict with nature through the actions and experiences of characters like Finn, Jim, as well as The Duke and The King. Moreover, the phenomenon of the floating house also illustrates this theme. For example, Jims act of escaping from Miss Watson illustrates the slaves natural inclination be free. In turn, this action challenges civilizations concept of slavery. Nature thus contradicts civilization through Jims escape. Further, Finns moral dilemma as to whether or not to disclose Jims whereabouts denotes nature (Finns humanity) contradicting with civilization - the acceptability of slavery. Moreover, Finns desire to be free from Miss Watsons apparently excessive patronage shows civilization being challenged by nature. Finns natural adventurousness contradicts civilizations requirement that the boy be neat and orderly. On the other hand, the Duke and Kings insincere tales serve to illustrate the theme of nature conflicting with civilization. For example, the two conmen allege that an accident at sea made them to lose their way. Once more, through this dishonest allegation, Twain shows civilization conflicting with nature. The tempest that makes The Duke and The King to lose their way denotes nature. On the other hand, The Duke and The Kings desire to be once more with their relatives signify civilization. Twain thus demonstrates nature disrupting civilized life.