Blackout: Heroism in Huck Finn

             "Huckleberry Finn has the great advantage of being written in autobiographical form. This secures a unity in the narration that is most valuable; every scene is given, not described; and the result is a vivid picture of... the scapegrace of a hero [Huck Finn]" (Perry 30). Throughout The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck unconsciously exhibits through his thoughts and actions a fertility of invention, courage, and compassion, which contribute to his heroism. The 1800's is characterized as a time of bigotry and prejudice of African-Americans by whites. Huck's ability to overcome the racial barrier that society has implanted in his mind is demonstrated by his personal views of the problems that he encounters, and is made interesting by his youthful perspective on certain issues. In addition, Jim views Huck as a motivational and heroic person, seen through his speech. The events throughout the story are told as they would appear to a semi-civilized boy of fourteen, which helps to!
             illustrate that Huck is not afraid to defy society's degrading standards. His heroism is further strengthened by Jim's positive opinion of him.
             Because the story is written from the perspective of an adolescent, the reader further understands how prejudices of the time have an effect on youngsters. In the time setting of Huckleberry Finn, Huck considers his race superior to that of black people, as is constantly demonstrated in his speech and conduct. However, he chooses not to report Jim to authorities after living with him away from society for quite some time. This realization of what is morally correct, yet wrong in the eyes of all, is a clear depiction of heroism. Contemporary standards engrained in Huck's mind state that blacks are meant to be prisoners to whites and must be turned in. It is his defiance of this typical perspective that shows him to be heroic: "...I was the best friend old Jim ever had in the...

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Blackout: Heroism in Huck Finn . (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 07:00, March 29, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/68990.html