Man vs. Society
Twain depicts society as a collection of absurd rules and principles that defy all logic. Throughout the novel, Huck repeatedly conflicts with the expectation and rules within society. He resents Widow Douglas’s and Miss Watson’s attempts to “sivilize” him, and scorns the ridiculous practices that are accepted in the civilized world. The absurdity of society is depicted early in the novel, especially when the judge gives Pap custody of Huck, despite Pap being completely unfit to take care of anyone. Twain again mocks society with the introduction of the Grangerfords and Shepherdsons, and their pointless feud that is perpetuated only by pride. At the end of the story, Huck is so annoyed and aggravated with everything he has experienced …show more content…
Huck frequently conflicts with what he has been taught during his time in civilization, and what he believes in his conscience to be right. When the novel begins, Jim is portrayed as a superstitious, foolish slave, who believes he was ridden by witches across the country. But, as Huck travels down the river with Jim, he begins to see Jim as a human being. He realizes that Jim is a person, just like himself, who has emotions, aspirations, and above all else, a desire to be free.
Morality and Ethics
Huck encounters moral dilemmas again and again as he floats down the river. At each stop, there is some new adventure that causes him to question his own ethical foundations. The most prominent dilemma Huck faces is Jim’s escape from slavery. From his time with Widow Douglas, he still sees Jim as Miss Watson’s “property.” In his mind, he is helping “steal” Jim from her. Huck identifies stealing as wrong, and thus identifies “stealing” Jim from Miss Watson as wrong. However, in his conscience he doesn’t want to return Jim to Miss Watson, because he has befriended Jim, and cares about what happens to him. In the novel, Twain contrasts societal and personal morality. Slavery is accepted by society, so people such as Aunt Sally may seem nice, caring, and ethical, but have no qualms with imprisoning and enslaving people. Twain uses these moral dilemmas to criticize the backwards morality of American society, and point out the hypocrisy of seemingly ethical
Twain depicts society as a collection of absurd rules and principles that defy all logic. Throughout the novel, Huck repeatedly conflicts with the expectation and rules within society. He resents Widow Douglas’s and Miss Watson’s attempts to “sivilize” him, and scorns the ridiculous practices that are accepted in the civilized world. The absurdity of society is depicted early in the novel, especially when the judge gives Pap custody of Huck, despite Pap being completely unfit to take care of anyone. Twain again mocks society with the introduction of the Grangerfords and Shepherdsons, and their pointless feud that is perpetuated only by pride. At the end of the story, Huck is so annoyed and aggravated with everything he has experienced …show more content…
Huck frequently conflicts with what he has been taught during his time in civilization, and what he believes in his conscience to be right. When the novel begins, Jim is portrayed as a superstitious, foolish slave, who believes he was ridden by witches across the country. But, as Huck travels down the river with Jim, he begins to see Jim as a human being. He realizes that Jim is a person, just like himself, who has emotions, aspirations, and above all else, a desire to be free.
Morality and Ethics
Huck encounters moral dilemmas again and again as he floats down the river. At each stop, there is some new adventure that causes him to question his own ethical foundations. The most prominent dilemma Huck faces is Jim’s escape from slavery. From his time with Widow Douglas, he still sees Jim as Miss Watson’s “property.” In his mind, he is helping “steal” Jim from her. Huck identifies stealing as wrong, and thus identifies “stealing” Jim from Miss Watson as wrong. However, in his conscience he doesn’t want to return Jim to Miss Watson, because he has befriended Jim, and cares about what happens to him. In the novel, Twain contrasts societal and personal morality. Slavery is accepted by society, so people such as Aunt Sally may seem nice, caring, and ethical, but have no qualms with imprisoning and enslaving people. Twain uses these moral dilemmas to criticize the backwards morality of American society, and point out the hypocrisy of seemingly ethical