The idea of reaching a symbolic promise land, although seemingly unobtainable, pushes both Huckleberry Finn and Inman to endure their journeys in hopes of pursuing the American dream. Despite his age, Huck learns to deal with countless moral dilemmas that are thrown his way; however, his naïveté and ignorance triumph over his meritorious actions. On the contrary, Jim’s self-improvement progresses tremendously throughout the novel. His selfless deeds and heroic acts of kindness prove to Huck that race is not a defining factor of humanity. Like Jim, Inman embarks on a journey to return to his loved ones and escape a past of cruelty and confinement. He finds strength in Ada and uses his love for her to advance onward to Cold Mountain. Huck and…show more content… However, the journey has its own frivolous perils that prevent Inman from reaching the American Dream. Throughout the novel, Inman encounters many people who have been corrupted by society. His conscience guides his moral actions and helps him to stay heroic and honorable. Despite his horrifying memories of war, Inman is capable of resorting to violence if need be. He uses Native American folktales to ease his thoughts and provide an idealistic promise land for himself: Cold Mountain. By occupying his thoughts with this distant retreat, Inman diverts his mind from the overwhelming obstacles of his journey and the psychological strain they cause. This is a crucial defining moment in his life because “Inman did not consider himself to be a superstitious person, but he did believe that there is a world invisible to us.” (23) Furthermore, upon reuniting with Ada, Inman sees that his symbolic promise land has been tainted by society. His death reminds the audience that there is no such thing as a perfect promise land. Sooner or later, it will be corrupted by the expansion of society. The American Dream of freedom drives Inman to return to Ada; however, he must suffer through countless mental and physical obstacles in order to do
