**The Depiction of American Youth Growth Through Huck's Journey in Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn** **Abstract**: This paper explores how Mark Twain utilizes the journey of Huck, the protagonist in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, to portray the growth of American youth. Through a detailed analysis of Huck's struggles, experiences, and eventual maturation, the paper aims to uncover the key elements of American youth growth depicted in Twain's masterpiece. The paper examines Huck's interactions with society, the role of his companions, and the significance of the Mississippi River in shaping his perspective and identity. **Introduction**: Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn stands as a classic exemplar of American literature, not only for its entertaining narrative but also for its profound depiction of youth and growth. The protagonist, Huck, embarks on a journey along the Mississippi River, encountering various characters and challenges that ultimately lead to his personal growth and transformation. This paper delves into how Twain utilizes Huck's experiences to reflect upon and articulate the growth of American youth, particularly during the late 19th century. **Literature Review**: This section of the paper examines the previous scholarly work on The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, specifically focusing on analyses that address the theme of youth growth. By reviewing these studies, the paper aims to justify the significance of this research and demonstrate the novelty of the current approach. Additionally, this section discusses the theoretical frameworks and methodologies utilized in previous research, evaluating their reliability and effectiveness in contributing to the understanding of the topic. **Method**: The methodology adopted in this paper involves a close textual analysis of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, paying particular attention to Huck's interactions, experiences, and internal monologues. The analysis explores Huck's growth from a childish, irresponsible perspective to a more mature, thoughtful outlook. This process includes identifying key events and encounters that shape Huck's growth, analyzing the symbolic significance of the Mississippi River, and examining the role of Huck's companions in his transformation. **Result**: The results of the analysis reveal that Huck's journey is a journey of self-discovery and maturation. Through his encounters with various characters, Huck learns valuable lessons about humanity, morality, and social injustice. The Mississippi River, as a central symbol in the novel, represents the journey of life and the possibility of change. Huck's companions, such as Jim, also play a crucial role in shaping his perspective and identity. **Discussion**: This section of the paper discusses the implications and significance of the results. It argues that Twain's portrayal of Huck's growth provides a unique perspective on the growth of American youth during the late 19th century. The paper also considers the relevance of Huck's journey for contemporary youth, exploring how Twain's insights into growth and maturation resonate with modern audiences. **Conclusion**: In conclusion, Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn offers a compelling narrative of youth growth and transformation. Through Huck's journey along the Mississippi River, Twain depicts the struggles, challenges, and eventual maturation of American youth. The paper argues that Huck's growth represents not only the growth of an individual but also the growth of a nation, reflecting the evolving perspectives and values of American society during the late 19th century.
