Huck Finn chapters 6-15

      So, this whole "coming of age" thing, it's a pretty big weight to have on the shoulders of a boy like Huck Finn (even though he doesn't feel the pressure). The big thing that happens in the beginning is that he fakes his death. In my opinion he does this in a pretty clever way, I would not have expected this in earlier chapters. He cuts the head off of a pig and sets off for Jackson's island. Even though it was a clever gesture, I believe that Coming of Age has a lot to do with matuirty, and personally I didnt think this was a completely RATIONAL decision, but he did feel it was best for him so I respect him for that.
      In Chapter 8, there was a sense of guilt throughout Huck when he saw Judge Thatcher, and all of his friends on the boat talking about his murder. I see that as a sign of Coming of Age, why would he care if he didn't have SOME sense of maturity and morals? "I says, now I reckon the widow or the parson or somebody prayed that this bread would find me, and here it has gone and done it." guilt, guilt, guilt. To keep this short and sweet, I LOVE JIM AND I WAS SO EXCITED WHEN HUCK RAN INTO HIM ON THE ISLAND. Jim, I believe represents a father figure in Huck's life, i personally find Huck opening up to Jim throughout the book is a sign of Coming of Age. Imagine, your father is a drunk who never gave a darn about you, and you open up to someone who can do exactly the same.
     In chapter 10, when the whole rattle snake episode comes in, this could be interpreted as one step backwards. Huck has been through so much, but regardless of his situation he still knows how to have fun! This is a sign of him still staying true to himself, not necessarily a bad thing. (even though it wasn't a fun result with a swolen leg).  I think the relationship between the two of them was representing not only coming of age, but the courage to break down the walls of society. Jim is black, Huck is white, it was unheard of. Jim is a slave, even more unheard of. Their relationship has so many different themes behind it, but I think Mark Twain wanted that aspect.
   In chapter 13, "I reckon I hadn't had time to before. I begun to think how dreadful it was
even for murderers, to be in such a fix. I says to myself, there ain't no telling but I might come to be a murderer myself yet, and then how would I like it?" This was a very powerful quote. He recognizes how his life could go in one direction, he could become a murderer. But thinking about it could change his mind (maturity).
   Chapter 15 was HUGE for me, I think the fact that Jim was so greatful that Huck was alive, and Huck's reaction was typical. The reaction, may you ask? "What's the matter with you Jim? You've been-a drinkin?" wow. low blow. BUT, this shows that Huck has never felt that type of affection before, somebody actually afraid to loose him. Jim is breaking down Huck's wall. Long story short, Huck apologizing to Jim about hurting his feelings was a sign of consience, and maturity. "I didn't do him no more mean tricks, and I wouldn't done that one if I'd a knowed it would make him feel that way."  *claps for Huck* YOU HAVE FEELINGS, YAY! great way to end this chapter.