A prominent theme of this novel is "coming of age." Huck starts out the novel as an immature, mischievous young boy, but as the book progresses, particularly in chapters 12-16, readers see him begin to grow up. He is becoming a more responsible individual, as well as beginning to reason and contemplate his morals. He is starting to decipher rights from wrongs, and seems as though he wants to do the right and good things now, as opposed to stirring up trouble like he once was quite fond of.
Huck does still possess his quick wit despite his maturing mind. He is still able to get out of situations by using this cleverness he is gifted with. This becomes most helpful when he creates the fantastic story for the ferry watchman of his family being stranded on the Walter Scott, and he convinces the watchman to go rescue this non-existent family. He may be becoming a young man quickly, but his creativity and rascal-like tendencies will most likely never completely vanish.
This wit does get Huck into yet another sticky situation, however. After being separated from Jim in the fog, his canoe being pulled away from the raft, they are reunited. Jim had slept through that event, but is still thrilled when they are brought back together. Huck manages to convince Jim that he had dreamed the whole thing. Later, though, Jim notices the debris on the raft and becomes angry with Huck for lying and making a fool of him. He makes Huck feel guilty, because he was very concerned for his safety. Huck narrates, "It was fifteen minutes before I could work myself up to go and humble myself to a nigger; but I done it, and i warn't ever sorry for it afterwards, neither." (Twain, pg. 90) He apologizes to Jim because he genuinely feels bad for hurting him. This shows that the two are now true friends, and the differences of their skin colors no longer seem to matter in their relationship.
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