Journeys

The process of self-discovery is one made up of genetics, environment and personal experience and interpretation. All of these elements affect our personality development and worldview to one degree or another. Ideally, the individual will develop a well-rounded perspective that encompasses self-actualization directed towards community with others. Unfortunately, education, economics, and a host of other factors play a role in the degree to which one is able to evolve such a perspective. In both Mark Twain’s The Adventure’s of Huckleberry Finn and Peter Jenkins’ A Walk Across America, we are presented with journeys that are symbolic of the journey of self-discovery and growth. In Twain’s, we see Huckleberry Finn born and raised to have a racist perspective that his journey teaches him is not a well-rounded nor particularly truthful one in light of the reality of human beings—a reality that becomes more lucid to him as he makes his journey. In Jenkins’ self-written story of his own journey walking across America, we see how attitudes, perceptions and personal reactions are often modified by our interaction and experiences with others. Both works help illustrate the interconnected nature of all humans, regardless of the personal differences which often separate them from one another. The opening quote from Jenkins’ book is similar to a quot

. . .
another, the same thing will happen to Huck on his journey of discovery from interacting with Jim. Huck was always taught the vilest things about black people, and the teaching of hatred and racism against blacks occurred when he was young enough that he has engendered deep feelings regarding blacks himself. However, through his interactions with Jim, he begins to question many of the outright lies taught him regarding the black race. While he must undergo some soul searching before he comes to accept these teachings are wrong, he eventually becomes so outraged over the attack on Jim’s humanity that he risks his life to help gain him his freedom. Various opinions exist as to whether Huck gains any real development change because of his interaction with Jim. Many argue that his behavior seems to suggest otherwise, “A big debate surrounds whether he changes or not throughout the novel. Huck, in the beginning, seems very set in the south’s anti-black ways, however, Huck states that he will go to hell to keep Jim out of slavery. At this point it seems like he does change, however, at the end of the book, Huck plays yet another practical joke on Jim, and seems as though any change was temporary” (Characters 1). I disagree. Fi
. . .

Some common words found in the essay are:
Jim Huck, Huckleberry Finn, America Jenkins, Mark Twain, Process Self-Discovery, Huck Twain, Mary Elizabeth, Jenkins Twain, Huck Jenkins, Walk America, huckleberry finn, 15 1999, adventures huckleberry finn, walk america, reality human, adventures huckleberry, black white, 1999 1, love goodness, hate racism, 15 1999 1, appeal conscience huck, appeal conscience, racism appeal conscience, appeal racism appeal,
Approximate Word count = 1786
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)

More Essays on Journeys