Reasons Why Huckleberry Finn Should Not Be Punished

You may know Huckleberry Finn's father as a violent drunk who should clearly not be liable for the life of his son. He is clearly known for being a violent and deranged man. It is likely that in a fit of drunken rage he could bring himself to intentionally or unintentionally end his son's life. After a long night of terror from his father, Huck fell asleep with a gun by his side. He woke determined to end the captive life he was living. He set out to find a means of escape from his father's hands. After finding an abandoned canoe he realized just how possible it was to finally leave. He put his plan into action by spilling the blood of a pig on the floor and smashing most of the house to pieces. Giving clear evidence of a violent scene. All …show more content…
Many times Huck recalls the times that he was physically abused by his father. He would hit him for going to school out of jealousy for his son receiving a better education than him. Huck lived day to day always making attempts to avoid any kind of interaction with his father. He was a violent drunk who's only motivation for work was to receive money for more booze. On more than one occasion he had been accused of being a real danger to Huck’s life. One night, while heavily intoxicated, he clumsily pursued Huck around the home with a knife until he finally passed out. The third reason that Pap is guilty of killing Huck is that he was not there. There is a clear absence of Huck no longer being present at their home. This is very possibly due to the fact that he was killed by his father. Huck was reported to be missing by the townspeople. The fact that he was missing after his father's night of drunken rage certainly points to Pap being the main suspected assailant. His absence following the night of his fathers attacks alludes to a further possible violence, including the unfortunate murder of his …show more content…
You could argue that it was indeed Huck who killed the pig in order to frame his death on another attacker. But this statement is inadequate since there is no way to determine the origin of the blood or the kind of creature it may have previously belonged to. You could also argue that his father would never do such a violent thing, especially after his recent change of heart. After being sentenced to prison, Pap begged the judge for the custody of his son. He promised he would reform for the sake of his son. Almost immediately after, he tries suing his own son for his money once he gains custody. It is clear that the only reason that he wanted to gain custody of his son, was for his fortunes. Money was all he sought after, most likely so he could by more alcohol. Saying that the blood found on the floor was pigs blood, or that Pap is a changed and better man are both inadequate arguments. Pap is guilty of killing Huck because he has a violent history, there are clear signs of death, and Huck is missing. This is important to the townspeople. They care for the safety of their children and will not have a rampant, alcoholic, murderer in their town. He could only go on to serve as a further danger to every resident