Huck’s Moral Dilemma – Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain Essay Sample

became obsessed with the history of such experiences. However, while on Glenda Jackson's Island with Huck, Jim demonstrates a deep understanding of nature despite his outwardly superstitious behavior. Huck recounts the sighting of some young birds.

Jim observed that the rapid and sudden movement of a bird indicated an incoming rainfall (135). While conversing with Huck, Jim shared his superstitious beliefs and his unsuccessful investments. Despite this, Huck occasionally tries to exhibit his superior knowledge, as seen during his disagreement with Jim about the French language.

On the island, Huck and Jim become friends and Huck resolves not to betray Jim. Despite his decision, Huck continues to struggle with it throughout the novel because others would label him an abolitionist and despise him for remaining silent (134).

During a critical moment, Hucks bosom prevails in protecting Jim from harm, as seen when they encounter white men searching for escaped slaves while on the river. Initially, Hucks wrestles with his conscience and considers turning Jim in. However, he ultimately chooses to shield him from harm.

Jim declares that Huck is his greatest friend and only friend now that he has, which leads Huck to reconsider his initial decision. In order to protect Jim, Huck constructs a fictional story. Huck attributes his decision-making to his impoverished upbringing and low social standing. He has grown distant from traditional society and is now skeptical of many things.

The pick to help Jim showcases the progression of Huck and Jim's relationship, as well as Hucks' moral development. The test of morality arises once again when Huck is faced with a similar dilemma about Jim's fate, this time when the King and Duke sell him to

the Phelps, leading to another internal conflict for Huck.

Regarding whether or not to turn Jim in, Huck's heart triumphs over his moral principles in the second clip. Ultimately, Huck makes a firm decision to aid Jim despite the potential consequences. Huck attributes this resolution to his improper upbringing.

Although he eventually decides to commute to work and rescue Jim from slavery again, he is determined to stay committed for the long haul and will devise an even worse plan if necessary.

Although Huck acknowledges that society has influenced his perspective, he has grown and acquired a moral compass. He understands the potential consequences of aiding Jim's escape and decides to accept the challenge nonetheless (246-247). Nevertheless, Huck encounters additional obstacles as he confronts both his own conscience and Tom Sawyer's impact on his plans and beliefs.

Instead of freeing Jim as Huck originally planned, Tom takes pride in sticking to proper procedures and comes up with a convoluted, trendy escape plan.

In the novel, Tom embodies civilized society and everything that Huck is not. Despite this contrast, Huck agrees to join Tom in assisting with Jim's escape.

Despite the perceived complexity of Tom's equivocation programs, the speaker holds him in high regard due to their respect for Tom's character and upbringing. Twain later reveals that Tom was aware of Jim's status as a free man, implying that assisting in his liberation may not have been considered civilized.

A fact that likely influenced Tom's determination was mentioned by Huck, who stated that he wouldn't trade Tom Sawyer's head for the position of a duke or a steamboat mate.

Neither a circus clown nor anyone can believe in him. This mindset

may occur again. (258).

Huck's sense of unequal upbringing stems from his view that Tom possesses all the traits of a well-bred male child - education and a middle-class background - despite occasionally causing problems due to his immaturity. Tom's morals and values indicate that he is on the path to becoming an ideal Southern white man. Huck desires to be like Tom, highlighting his strong connection to societal norms.

Although Huck experiences a moral transformation throughout the novel, he is still susceptible to societal influences as he is a young boy who is still learning about morality. Twain adds complexity to Huck's situation by incorporating racist elements in the antebellum setting, creating a sharp contrast with his evolving ethical values during his journey.

Mark Twain aimed for Huck to serve as a positive example for young readers during the Reconstruction era, even though there were worries about him having an adverse impact. It is important to acknowledge that Twain did not hold racist views.

His intention was for Huck to use irony in his interactions with society to make a statement about Southern white culture following the Civil War. One example of this sarcasm is demonstrated when Huck talks to Aunt Sally about a fictional boat accident. Aunt Sally inquires about possible injuries, and Huck replies with a simple "Nope."

Aunt Sally shows little concern for the death of a black person, remarking that it is fortunate because people can sometimes experience pain. This attitude reflects the prevalent belief among Southern Whites during this time period that black individuals were inferior to humans.

Twain expresses his disdain for Southern society by portraying the deceitful individuals Huck encounters during his

onshore adventures. The King and the Duke, among others, manipulate gullible people with their scams, effectively pulling off increasingly egregious cons throughout the story.

In addition to his criticism of society, Twain also indirectly mocks the fallibility of religion through the Grangerford family in "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Huck discovers that the Grangerfords and the Sheperdsons are in a meaningless feud that neither family can even remember the source of, making both households appear petty and pathetic. Furthermore, it is ironic that both families regularly attend church despite their immoral actions.

At the start of the novel, although fearful and uncertain, the characters did not go anywhere without their rifles. Twain's ironic statement that those seeking moral lessons from the story will be dismissed is present from the outset, as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn contains this theme.

At the time of writing (108), Twain teaches a crucial lesson through the character of Huck in guiding readers on morality. Huck's struggle with adhering to societal beliefs and behavior reflects the South's struggle during Reconstruction in defining the place of black people in society. Huck's difficulty in fully separating from society highlights the challenge faced by Southern Whites in changing their beliefs post-war. However, Huck exhibits noticeable progress as he travels down the river.

Despite Tom's visual appeal in seemingly reconnecting Huck with society, the end of the narrative sees Huck declare his need to flee ahead of everyone else. This is because Aunt Sally is going to pursue and try to civilize him, something he cannot accept (294). While his transformation may not be complete by the novel's conclusion, Huck still feels compelled to escape.

In "The

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, Huck is portrayed as having potential to challenge society's values and develop morally. This is emphasized with the mention of a couple and the book's editor.

The book "Nina Baym" was published by W. W. Norton & Company in New York.

Copyright 2007, Inc. All rights reserved. Page numbers: 108-294.