Pap Finn, Huck’s father, embodies the worst aspects of society's failures. As an abusive and alcoholic parent, Pap resents Huck's attempts to better himself through education and a stable life with the Widow Douglas. His return to claim Huck's fortune and subsequent kidnapping of his son highlight his selfishness and inability to change.

Pap's character illustrates the destructive potential of ignorance and prejudice, seen in his rants against educated black men and his attempts to control Huck through fear and violence. His paranoia and drunken tirades serve as a stark contrast to the nurturing relationship between Huck and Jim. Pap’s ultimate demise, discovered by Jim, is significant as it symbolizes Huck’s liberation from one of his life’s most oppressive influences.

Despite his absence for much of the novel, Pap’s shadow looms large over Huck’s decisions and fears. His character is a cautionary depiction of what Huck could become if he remains bound by the societal and familial constraints represented by Pap. This dynamic underscores Huck's quest for freedom and identity, contrasting his father's failures with his own potential for growth and moral development.