George Washington and Huckleberry Finn Actually Have Something in Common

The illustration of George Washington crossing the icy Delaware River will forever be a symbol of American strength, especially during a time of hardship. This nineteenth century painting, while known by most, is not often analyzed for its potential in containing elements of literary style. This defining image of our first president portrays framed narration. George Washington is not the only man on the boat as shipmates and rowers are helping guide the boat through the ice to safe land. These revolutionaries aboard have their own point of view and narrations on the important historical journey they are attempting. Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is a book of literary merit that also includes framed narration from different characters such as Huck, Tom and Jim. The role a boat or raft plays in both the picture of Washington and Huckleberry Finn are incredibly relatable. George Washington is crossing the river as part of a bigger plan to free America from the rule of Great Britain while Huck Finn is taking Jim, a  runaway slave, down the Mississippi River in order to free him from his plantation. The purpose of both water transportations are extremely similar as different as George Washington crossing the Delaware and the novel Huckleberry Finn may be.