External and Internal Influences On Morality in Huckleberry Finn
To perfectly describe an entire culture in one work of literature is a monumental task; however, legendary author Mark Twain managed to do just that in his generation defining work of fiction, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Using narrative conventions such as situational irony, characterization, and diction, Twain was able to throw readers into the ever exciting stage of the mid - 1800’s American south. Through his masterful use of first person storytelling and character development, Twain explores the theme of morality, and proves that morals are shaped not by outside influences, but by one’s own experiences.
The Adventures Huckleberry Finn, first published …show more content…
After learning that the Duke and the King have re-sold Jim into slavery, Huck is resistant to help him. Huck’s initial plan of action was to write Tom Sawyer and let him know of Jim’s location, allowing Miss Watson to retrieve her ‘property’; however, this conflicts with his morality. He knows that to go against the law and defy society's idea of morality would make him a disgrace, and he would from then on just be the boy who “helped a nigger to get his freedom”.However, the idea of his friend Jim being condemned to live his life as a slave all for some “dirty” money is too much for him to handle. He knows jim is more than just property, and his morals overshadow those of the society he lives in. Because of this realization that society is wrong, he tears up the letter to Tom, stating he is willing to go to Hell before he lets Jim go back into slavery; ‘I took the letter up, and held it in my hand. I was a trembling, because I’d got to decide, forever, betwixt two things.… I studied a minute, sort of holding my breath, and then says to myself: “All right, then, I’ll go to hell” – and tore it up’. Although his statement “I’ll go to hell” is similar to his earlier ramblings with Miss Watson, this time there is no facetiousness. His conscience and sense of morality has developed, a direct consequence of the adventures he and Jim have been through together. Huck has also abandoned his frivolous superstitions, and low leans on prayer and adheres to religious teachings. His decision to stand against the societal norms of the time and selflessly accept his punishment for aiding his friend shows a significant change in his virtues.He wholeheartedly rejects conventional southern racism, ignoring the color of his skin and paying more attention to
To perfectly describe an entire culture in one work of literature is a monumental task; however, legendary author Mark Twain managed to do just that in his generation defining work of fiction, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Using narrative conventions such as situational irony, characterization, and diction, Twain was able to throw readers into the ever exciting stage of the mid - 1800’s American south. Through his masterful use of first person storytelling and character development, Twain explores the theme of morality, and proves that morals are shaped not by outside influences, but by one’s own experiences.
The Adventures Huckleberry Finn, first published …show more content…
After learning that the Duke and the King have re-sold Jim into slavery, Huck is resistant to help him. Huck’s initial plan of action was to write Tom Sawyer and let him know of Jim’s location, allowing Miss Watson to retrieve her ‘property’; however, this conflicts with his morality. He knows that to go against the law and defy society's idea of morality would make him a disgrace, and he would from then on just be the boy who “helped a nigger to get his freedom”.However, the idea of his friend Jim being condemned to live his life as a slave all for some “dirty” money is too much for him to handle. He knows jim is more than just property, and his morals overshadow those of the society he lives in. Because of this realization that society is wrong, he tears up the letter to Tom, stating he is willing to go to Hell before he lets Jim go back into slavery; ‘I took the letter up, and held it in my hand. I was a trembling, because I’d got to decide, forever, betwixt two things.… I studied a minute, sort of holding my breath, and then says to myself: “All right, then, I’ll go to hell” – and tore it up’. Although his statement “I’ll go to hell” is similar to his earlier ramblings with Miss Watson, this time there is no facetiousness. His conscience and sense of morality has developed, a direct consequence of the adventures he and Jim have been through together. Huck has also abandoned his frivolous superstitions, and low leans on prayer and adheres to religious teachings. His decision to stand against the societal norms of the time and selflessly accept his punishment for aiding his friend shows a significant change in his virtues.He wholeheartedly rejects conventional southern racism, ignoring the color of his skin and paying more attention to