The escape allows Huck to discover his true self, without the harmful effects of tradition and conformity, qualities, which go hand-in-hand with established society. .
Free of the constraints of a normal existence, Huck is able to approach life in a way that most other kids his age can only dream of doing. Much of this so-called "self" discovery is aided in part by Huck's friendship with Jim. Having Jim along for companionship rids Huck of the incessant loneliness that prevented his earlier escapes, and also, in a way, forces Huck to put aside his own prejudices. The misperceptions and lack of sympathy, qualities associated with slavery in the "real world," have no bearing on Huck now, as he begins to realize that Jim is not merely a piece of property, but a human being with feelings, thoughts, and a family. Not even Huck has one of those. Jim is also a trusty adult presence, who protects Huck both physically and emotionally, but is not overbearing, like some parents would be. For example, were it not for Jim's intuition about the coming storm, at the beginning of the novel, Huck may have been caught in it on the river, and possibly drowned. .
Huck's journey of "outside discovery" continues in the episode with the Shepherdsons and the Grangerfords, an event which opens the young boy's eyes to the problems of blindly following tradition, and holding grudges. The image of the feuding families exemplifies why people should not continue on believing, preaching, or acting upon feelings that are not their own. By following "tradition" or becoming a sheep, one cannot truly discover himself, nor can he make unbiased decisions. The kinds of ideals held by people, who are raised this way, can often result in prejudice and ignorance. .
During this incident, readers are introduced to Buck, a symbol of an adolescent mind destroyed by adult "wisdom." Though he is the same age as Huck, Buck's judgment and independent thinking abilities have been destroyed by the Grangerford's feud with the Shepherdsons.
