NOTE: Free essay sample provided on this page should be used for references or sample purposes only. The sample essay is available to anyone, so any direct quoting without mentioning the source will be considered plagiarism by schools, colleges and universities that use plagiarism detection software. To get a completely brand-new, plagiarism-free essay, please use our essay writing service.
One click instant price quote
Samuel L. Clements, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, is told through the eyes of a young man, the narrator and protagonist, Huckleberry Finn. He learns about life and society through the nature of the world. He finds himself in many unpredictable situations, and constantly in different settings. These settings consist of land, the shore of the Mississippi River, or on a small raft floating downstream. There is always danger near because of his companion, the runaway slave, Jim.
Also, there are hidden hazards that can pop up at any time. Amazingly, with the schooling he lacks, he knows how to deal with these dangers of the world. Through his impressive ways of life and independence, he learns about society around him, achieving his own sense of right and wrong. An event that allows his conscience to trouble him throughout most of his journey is when he meets Jim at Jackson Island. He is forced to make a decision of freeing a runaway slave, or returning him to the owner, Miss Watson. He follows with what his heart believes, and aids Jim in finding his freedom.
Huck's heart beats faster than it ever has before, for he is constantly wondering if he is making the right choice. Huck would definitely be breaking the law if he freed Jim. The confrontation of two men looking for several runaway slaves, asking to see the passengers of their raft, allows Huck to lie. Therefore, he feels guilt and responsible lying. Remembering what Jim had said, yous de bes fren Jims ever had; en yous de only fren old Jims got now (99), helps clear his guilty conscience and realizes that he has grown closer to Jim.
It would be very hard to turn him in, knowing Jim accepts Huck as a trusted friend. Feeling guilty for lying for a runaway slave and the thought of turning Jim in would give Huck the same amount of guilt. Although Huckleberry Finn faces a lot a lot of trouble along his journey, his moral character unfolds. He runs into two low-down humbugs and frauds (132), the Duke and the King, who are running away from prosecution. Huck knows that their schemes are wrong, however, Huck insists on going along with it. Huck learns from them that there comes a time when he has to draw the line and when lying becomes unnecessary.
The two mens attempt to impersonate the brothers of the Peter Wilks is an important part of Huck? s development. When Huck decides to return the money to Peter? s three daughters, it demonstrates his moral growth, as well as his choice to abandon the two frauds.
Though the times Huck made a wrong decision, like going along with their scandalous schemes, it helps his character grow even greater. Huck's own morality stands out most when his acceptance of his love for Jim is shown when Jim is captive once again. He writes a letter to Miss Watson to return Jim and asking her to free Jim. After thinking about the letter for several minutes, he realizes he will go to hell (213) for Jim, figuring Miss Watson will only sell him downstream anyway and he would get in trouble as well. He rips up the letter and wishes to help Jim seek his freedom. Huck refers to his own sense of right and wrong and decides to disregard society's morality, figuring his own sense of right and wrong is stronger.
His actions may not be just, but they are committed instinctual, using his own moral judgement. Huck is aware of the standards of society that have, in several cases, influenced his decisions, but he refuses to submit to these social codes and continues to follow his own sense of right and wrong. As seen several times in the novel, Huck chooses society's morality over his own, yet his own instincts seem more right than those of society's. Huck enters many occasions where he must choose between violating the social and religious behavior, which the world has taught him, and betraying the person who needs and loves him most. Huck represents every person who has ever had to make a decision between what they feel is morally correct and what society perceives as right. Huck's situation with whether or not it is right to help free his prospective friend, Jim, has the most impact on Huck's morality.
Huck is willing to give up his afterlife for Jims freedom now. Huck's unselfishness is something we could all follow.
Free research essays on topics related to: miss watson, runaway slave, huckleberry finn, make a decision, huck
Research essay sample on Make A Decision Huckleberry Finn
