I outlined on the board an analytical framework for interpreting "Huck Finn" using the Land/Civilization/ Convention vs Freedom/River dichotomy. We studied the first chapters for textual support for this dichotomy ,noting Huck's rebellious attitude toward being "civilized", routine, and starched clothes vs. his lyric descriptions of the freedom from convention conferred by river, and Jackson island. We further noted Twain's satiric depiction of conventional schooling. For further analysis, I began a discussion of the novel as a thematic search for identity and a journey from innocence or ignorance toward some knowledge. I noted the symbolic relationship between old/new clothes and the quest for identity as well as the river as a bridge between the conventions of society and freedom .