While growing through teen years, it is common for adolescents to question their purpose in life; maturity takes time to flourish. In "Huckleberry Finn," Twain introduces Huck as a young man searching for his own purpose. Through a series of adventures, Twain uses Huck as a symbol to criticize American society. These criticisms are portrayed through Huck as he matures in his search for identity, his questioning of society's "rules," and his willingness to accept ownership over his mistakes.

In chapter 16, Huck begins to question his stance on southern, white people's societal viewpoint. As Huck and Jim were approaching lights along side the river, Jim got excited, thinking each light was Cairo, and often verbalized his thoughts about his freedom. This arrogance from a black person angered Huck, and led him to think, .".. `I'll paddle ashore at the first light, and tell [on Jim].' " Societal standards in...