River

Throughout the novel the Mississippi River is symbolic of freedom. The river offers the characters the possibility of escape. no matter where they go and how far they wander. They use the river as a guide throughout their journey, even when being on the water in fact endangers them.

Jackson Island

Jackson Island is symbolic of fear. After Jim hears that Watson and Thatcher want to sell him, he flees to Jackson Island where he stays in hiding for several days. The island grants him the illusion of safety, but in fact conveys Jim's fear of staying putting and of fleeing.

Books

The books Jim procures over the course of the novel are symbolic of escape. Jim relies upon reading throughout his journey so as to alleviate his internal unrest. The books offer him alternate worlds to explore, and therefore a gateway out of his present...