Huck, the protagonist of Mark Twain's The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn, is the American hero in the same manner Odysseus is of the classic Greeks. Although many may argue Huck is not, there is no other character who is even a close candidate for the title. The definition of a Homeric hero is one who captures the essence of the ideal individual of a nation. Huck rightfully earns that with his dogged determination and his ultimate triumph.
             No matter the circumstances, the young Huck has a never-say-die attitude. Americans love obstinance; they proved it when they chose the presidential candidate characterized by his iron resolve instead of the nominee accused of oscillating on important issues. Likewise, the bullheaded citizens of the United States should admire Huck when he has his, "minds made up, [he'll] hive that money for [the Wilks sisters] or bust" (158). Much of American culture is defined by the pioneering spirit of the frontier and the foolhardy willingness to see things to the bitter end. There aren't many characters who possess that quality to the degree Huck does; once he comes to a stance after wrestling with his conscience, he is unafraid to suffer the consequences for his beliefs. On that note, Huck has to frequently overcome his doubts about the morality of his helping Jim, such as the time "he is a-trembling, because [he's] got to decide, forever, betwixt two things" (192). Without this insecurity, it is difficult to fall in love with a hero. The traditionally stoic Superman is an antiquated figure that nobody can relate to, whereas Spiderman is adored by the masses for his raw human experiences. It is the hero who endures immense pain to complete his task who is sure to be sung about by the
             following generations. Huck isn't the obedient hero the U.S. Reserve wants, but the one the nation's populace loves: a revolutionary fighting the system. For example, Huck fo...