"Fiction is forced to stick to possibilities. The truth is not." This witty aphorism, although intended as a commentary on society, also reveals some of Mark Twain's beliefs about literature. By asserting that fiction must remain within the realm of possibility, Twain affirms his preference for realism rather than romanticism. Realism, a literary style that presents ordinary life in an objective and factual manner, is the antithesis of romanticism, a style that emphasizes imagination, emotion, and the awesome power of nature. However, despite this proclamation, aspects of romanticism are clearly present in Twain's novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which seamlessly blends realism and romanticism. These contrasting literary styles are reflected in the setting, characterization, and plot of the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay The use of vivid details allows Twain to establish a captivating visual setting. Although the setting is inspired by real rivers and towns, Twain uses a number of Romantic techniques to convey specific aspects of the characters' environments. To establish Huck's familiarity and comfort with nature, Twain clearly personifies nature, a common aspect of Romantic literature: The stars shone and the leaves rustled in the woods so sadly; and I heard an owl, in the distance, hooting about someone who had died... and the wind was trying to whisper something to me, and I couldn't make out what it was, and so it made cold shivers run over me. (5)By beautifying the natural environment, Twain affirms Huck's point of view and personality. However, Twain also uses realism to add authenticity to the setting, forcing the reader to recognize the truth behind his words. By presenting cities and rivers as they actually exist, Twain creates a plausible framework for his story: We estimated that three more nights would bring us to Cairo, deep in Illinois, where the Ohio River flows, and that was what we were looking for. . We would sell the raft, board a steamboat, and sail up the Ohio among the free states, and then we would have no more trouble. (78) It is necessary to point out that Twain often idealized even those aspects of the setting that are based on real landmarks. This is particularly evident in Twain's illustration of the Mississippi River. The river, which could easily be described as simply a large body of water serving as a means of transportation for Huck and Jim, instead becomes a highly symbolic element that inspires their imagination. However, even in this idealized setting, Twain adds specific, almost pedestrian details: Then the gentle breeze arises and comes from there to stir you up, so fresh and sweet to smell because of the woods and the flowers; but sometimes it doesn't, because they've left dead fish and guys and such lying around, and they actually get a pretty good rank; and then you have a busy day, and everything smiles under the sun, and the songbirds are having a blast! (114) Twain's masterful combination of realism and romanticism creates a diverse setting that reflects real rivers and cities in an idealized manner. Twain's use of romanticism and realism to develop his characters is evident in the dissimilarity between Tom and Huck. As Tom's blazing imagination forces him to make decisions that help him realize his fantasies, the mentalityHuck's down-to-earth nature allows him to take the most logical course of action. In this way, Tom is a symbol of romanticism, while Huck is the epitome of realism. Tom's romantic tendencies are quickly established in the novel: Killing women? No; no one has ever seen anything like this in books. You take them to the cave, and you're always as polite as pie to them; and little by little they fall in love with you and never want to go home again and more. (11)Tom dreams of living out the romantic fantasies he was exposed to through reading. Huck, on the other hand, believes that these ideas are unnecessary and illogical. While Tom uses his imagination to enliven ordinary events, Huck refuses to see beyond the truth: But there are no Spaniards or rabbits, and there are no camels or elephants . This is just a Sunday school picnic, and only an introductory class. (14) Although both boys feel strongly about their opinions, Huck does not have Tom's trust and therefore keeps his opinions to himself. For this reason, Tom's romanticism triumphs over Huck's realism. This triumph is short-lived in the reader's eyes, however, as Twain brings Tom's romantic views and Jim's freedom into conflict. Instead of escaping easily, Tom stages Jim's time in captivity, claiming that it wouldn't be good to escape easily: It's the fault, it's all as easy and troublesome as it can be. 'be. And so, it's so hard to come up with a difficult plan... well, all you have to do is lift the bed frame and remove the chain... It's the stupidest arrangement that I have ever seen. You have to invent all the difficulties. (229) While Tom's romanticism is acceptable as childish play, his desire to fulfill his own fantasies at the expense of the freedom of others is almost sickening. Twain uses both romanticism and realism in his characterization of Huck and Tom, but he clearly favors Huck's realistic view of life. Twain creates a conflict between Tom's romanticism and Huck's realism, but this conflict is not repeated in the development of the plot. . Realism and romance work together to move the events of the story forward. At several points, Twain uses a distinctly realistic tone to advance the plot, such as when Huck and Jim part ways on the river: The second night a god began to appear...I passed the line around one of the [young trees] just at the edge of the cut bank, but there was a strong current and the raft went down so quickly that she tore it up by the roots and left... There was no no raft in sight; and we couldn't see twenty meters away. (78) This plot twist illustrates an event that would commonly be experienced while traveling along the river. By moving the plot forward through the use of realistic situations, Twain enhances the authenticity of his novel. However, Twain also uses plots that are rather eccentric and representative of romanticism, such as the particularly miraculous appearance of Tom towards the end of the book. “It’s Tom Sawyer!” By jings, I almost collapsed on the floor! But we don't have time to exchange knives; the old man grabbed my hand and shook me, and continued to shake. (215) It is simply illogical that Huck would randomly show up at the exact same house where Tom is expected. This truly absurd event is an example of Twain's use of romanticism. A fusion between the two styles is evident in the actions of the duke and king. Both characters use outlandish, but effective, schemes to extort large sums of money from their victims. However, Twain associates these romantic projects and.