The Winding Road to Growth More often than not, society views the young as naive. However, in Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the title character proves to be anything but ingenuous. Thrown into unforeseen and unfavorable circumstances, Huck is forced to establish his own opinions on complex issues at a young age. While Huck’s physical journey carries him far from home, his ethical journey proves to be far more profound. In order to provide insight to Huck’s progressive evolution, Twain uses every verdict that Huck reaches as indirect characterization. Twain’s commentary on Huck’s growth is best exemplified through Huck’s self-defining decisions in the wake of moral conflict. Through his evolving attitude towards the Duke
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Huck’s upbringing from both his father and his adoptive guardians gives Huck the preconception that slavery is morally sound. This complicates his relationship with Jim because Huck must decide between what is seemingly right and what is ethically correct. Soon after he decides to turn Jim in, Huck instinctively protects Jim’s identity as a runaway slave by lying to two men whose suspicion threatens Jim’s safety. This exhibits Huck’s changed perspective from accepting slavery to valuing friendship above the institution. The noted critic William Andrews comments, “The telling of the lie represents an act of rebellion by Huck 's heart in defiance of his society-trained conscience” (“The Smallpox Lie”). Contrary to his previous conviction that he would turn Jim in, Huck’s actions serve to prove that the ethical conflicts that he is facing are gradually changing his outlook on the African American race and allowing him to accept his own principles before society’s. Huck’s moral dilemma regarding Jim’s status as a runaway slave reaches its climax when Huck decides that he would rather “go to hell” than turn Jim in (Twain 214). Huck’s decision has an air of finality as he tears up the letter that would lead to Jim’s enslavement. This resolution marks the most important milestone …show more content…
Twain uses moral complications and Huck’s personal perspective on the resulting internal conflict to demonstrate Huck’s evolution and changing mindset. Through Huck’s opinion of the duke and the dauphin, his qualms over aiding a fugitive slave, and his relationship with Tom, Twain gives a depiction of Huck’s maturing conscience and morals. Huck, who portrays the antithesis of societal standards, serves to convey the timeless message that society often expects ignorance from the very people who are proving it
Huck’s upbringing from both his father and his adoptive guardians gives Huck the preconception that slavery is morally sound. This complicates his relationship with Jim because Huck must decide between what is seemingly right and what is ethically correct. Soon after he decides to turn Jim in, Huck instinctively protects Jim’s identity as a runaway slave by lying to two men whose suspicion threatens Jim’s safety. This exhibits Huck’s changed perspective from accepting slavery to valuing friendship above the institution. The noted critic William Andrews comments, “The telling of the lie represents an act of rebellion by Huck 's heart in defiance of his society-trained conscience” (“The Smallpox Lie”). Contrary to his previous conviction that he would turn Jim in, Huck’s actions serve to prove that the ethical conflicts that he is facing are gradually changing his outlook on the African American race and allowing him to accept his own principles before society’s. Huck’s moral dilemma regarding Jim’s status as a runaway slave reaches its climax when Huck decides that he would rather “go to hell” than turn Jim in (Twain 214). Huck’s decision has an air of finality as he tears up the letter that would lead to Jim’s enslavement. This resolution marks the most important milestone …show more content…
Twain uses moral complications and Huck’s personal perspective on the resulting internal conflict to demonstrate Huck’s evolution and changing mindset. Through Huck’s opinion of the duke and the dauphin, his qualms over aiding a fugitive slave, and his relationship with Tom, Twain gives a depiction of Huck’s maturing conscience and morals. Huck, who portrays the antithesis of societal standards, serves to convey the timeless message that society often expects ignorance from the very people who are proving it