The primary theme of the novel is the conflict between civilization and "natural life." Huck represents natural life through his freedom of spirit, his uncivilized ways, and his desire to escape from civilization. He was brought up without any rules and has a strong resistance to anything that might "sivilize" him. This conflict is introduced in the first chapter through the efforts of the Widow Douglas: she tries to force Huck to wear new clothes, give up smoking, and to learn the Bible. Throughout the novel, Twain seems to suggest that the uncivilized way of life is better; he draws on the ideas of Jean-Jacques Rousseau in his belief that civilization corrupts rather than improves human beings. The theme of honor is one that permeates the novel. It is first introduced in the second chapter with respect to Tom Sawyer's band: Tom believes that there is a great deal of honor associated with being robbers. This theme can be traced throughout the rest of the book. Huck and Jim encounter robbers on the shipwrecked boat and later they are forced to put up with the King and the Dauphin, both of whom "rob" everyone they meet. Tom's robber band is also paralleled by the fact that Tom and Huck both become literal robbers at the end of the novel. They both resolve to steal Jim out of slavery, and in the process they act honorably. Thus honor, and acting in a way to earn honor, becomes a central theme that Huck will have to deal with. The theme of food is one that occurs in many parts of the novel. It is based on the fact that Huck grew up fighting for food with pigs, eating out of "a barrel of odds and ends." Thus, whenever there is mention of food, it is a sign that Huck has someone to take care of him. For example, in the first chapter it is the Widow Douglas who feeds Huck. Later she is replaced by Jim, who takes care of Huck on Jackson's Island. Food is again mentioned when Huck lives with the Grangerfords and the Wilks. Another theme, and ...
