Social Pressure In The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain

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It may seem as if social pressures are just a problem of the new digital age. In reality, the stress to conform has always been a prominent matter that many generations have faced. The main character in The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain ponders the age old question of whether to be a follower, or make one’s own path. Huckleberry Finn enters the novel as a confused boy battling problems of adolescence such as depression and angst. With Jim as his guide Huck forms his personal opinions on many social and political issues. Throughout numerous situations, like helping murderers and freeing Jim, Huck is required to make up his own mind. By the end of the novel Huck accepts that it is okay to not be like everybody else. He begins …show more content…
On the Phelp’s farm Huck is in turmoil over the decision to free Jim once and for all or to let him go back to his life as a slave. Huck has just written a letter to Ms.Watson informing her of Jim’s whereabouts when something stops him and he looks deep down inside himself to see what feels right. He rips up the letter and proudly states, "All right, then, I 'll go to hell,”(210). Huck is so grounded in his beliefs that he will endure the ultimate punishment. He is now sure of what’s right and is willing to die for his belief. After being proven that his beliefs are correct and resonate deeply within him there is no way to back down and simultaneously keep any respect for himself. Huck sees Jim for what he truly is, a human. After knowing this fact, it’s impossible for his opinion on slavery to waiver. Huck becomes more aggressive in his stance, a result of the life-altering journey he completed with Jim. Huck has seen every aspect of human nature on his wild adventure, he has witnessed every sin be openly accepted by the public. The judgment of the masses has betrayed him by feeding him false truths. Huck can only look within himself for an untainted view on humanity. By holding himself to these standards Huck now knows himself as the boy he has always wanted to be. He is confident in himself and no longer needs outside

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