Huckleberry Finn
The conflict between society and the individual is a theme portrayed throughout Twain's Huckleberry Finn, as two friends are on a quest for freedom and an escape from a cruel and oppressive society. Huck was not raised in accord with the accepted ways of civilization. He practically raises himself, relying on instinct to guide him through life. As portrayed several times in the novel, Huck chooses to follow his innate sense of right, yet he does not realize that his own instincts are more moral than those of society. >From the very beginning of Huck's story, Huck clearly states that he did not want to conform to society; "The Widow Douglas she took me for her son, and allowed she would sivilize me... I got into my old rags and my sugar hogshead again, and was free and satisfied." When Pap returns for Huck, and the matter of custody is brought before the court, the reader is forced to see the corruption of society. The judge rules that Huck belongs to Pap, and forces
Huck functions as a much nobler person when he is not confined by the hypocrisies of civilization. The ending is perhaps most disappointing because it seems as though through all the situations that it seemed he was growing up and accepting his innate ideas of right, he hasn't grown at all. Huck condemns himself after his decision and ironically blames his father for what the reader recognizes as the morally right choice. him to obey an obviously evil and unfit man. Huck writes a letter to Miss Watson to return Jim, yet he ends up ripping the letter and wishes to free Jim. " Huck's moral metamorphosis has now been completed by Jim, making him the most influential character in Huck's formation of his views of society. Also, Huck's acceptance of Jim is a total defiance of society. Society has taught Huck that slavery is an acceptable practice, however, Huck's conscience can not agree with this. These men are not hesitant to hunt slaves, yet they refuse to help a sick man. He prefers the freedom of the wilderness to the restrictions of society. Ironically, Huck believes he is committing a sin by going against society and protecting Jim. " Here, we see that Huck concludes that he is evil, and that society has been right all along. The men fear catching this disease and instead of rescuing him, they give him money and advise him not to let it be known of his father's sickness when seeking help. The theme becomes even more evident once Huck and Jim set out, down the Mississippi. Huck enjoys his adventures on the raft.
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Mississippi Huck,
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,
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Acceptance Essays
