How Huckelberry Finn Defines His Moral Character
Defining a Moral Character The journey through life is broad, but early on, people learn values and morals. Often times, these characteristics are influenced by daily experience and contact with others. Although developing morals and values may be difficult at times, adequate time and experience brings gratification. As it was for Huck Finn, the adventure through independence and experience brought knowledge of values including, responsibility, accountability, compassion, and gratefulness which ultimately helped Huck define his moral character.
In most situations, Huck was able to make decisions based on his perception of right and wrong, and learns life lessons in doing so. No matter what trial or tribulation he encountered, Huck was grateful he was not subject to Papp’s abuse. When he was caught trying to be a girl by Judith Loftus, he learned compassion when she still accepted him in her home.
Huck didn’t want to feel accountable for the death of the murders on the abandoned ship, so he did what he felt was necessary, and took on the responsibility of trying to see they were rescued. Stating, “…wishing I knowed who shot the man and what they done it for,” Huck sought and found meaning in most circumstances and understands every choice has its consequence (133). Whether or not to turn Jim in was something Huck toggled with constantly throughout his adventure.
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He knew that Jim belonged to the widow Douglas who had done so much for him, but Huck still felt compassion for Jim, who he had developed a deep friendship with on account of their experiences together. Because of his bond with Jim, Huck did not want to feel guilty if something bad were to happen to his friend, but at the same time, he did not want to be held accountable for helping a runaway slave.
Altogether, the lessons Huck learned on his adventure were a contributor to the definition of his moral character. In the end, Huck acted on what he felt was right according to his set of developed morals and values, regardless of whether it was accepted by society or not. He later affirms his decision by stating “All right then, I’ll go to hell” as he ripped up the letter to Ms. Watson (239). Huck’s influence and experience led him to be a loyal friend, and a virtuous individual.
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