Huckleberry Finn Analysis

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As the novel draws to a close, Mark Twain clearly exposes the moral struggle within Huck Finn. Throughout the novel, Huck is constantly conflicted with aspects in his society. His adolescence justifies his ignorance, yet his innocence reveals the corrupting impact society has on a person. The characterization of Tom at the conclusion of the book furthers the idea that society’s manipulation directly effects the youth of the era. While Huck has been vigorously working to set Jim free, Tom announces his knowledge that Jim is already a free man as stated in Mrs. Watson’s will. This affirmation reveals Tom’s manipulation of Jim and the cruelty behind it. It is evident the he has conformed to the patterns of society in which he believes he can meddle with Jim due to his white superiority. While he later justifies his actions by stating he will pay Jim for his troubles, Tom is a clear illustration of the corruption of innocence in the novel (Twain 286). “Tom Sawyer’s reentry into the novel brings finality to Huck’s diminished power in normal society” (Huck’s 114). Huck, however, begins realize that one’s morals are a directly parallel their behavior. He believes that “the thing for [him] to do is just to do [his] duty, and not worry about whether anybody sees [him] do it or not” (Twain 265). In light of this belief, Huck begins to act as a principled boy when he is not restrained by the hypocrisies of society. Throughout the novel, the reader is exposed to the moral conflict within Huck and how he distances himself from civilization with the intent on creating his own world. It is in his solitude with Jim, Huck pursues his own insight on what is honorable and morally correct. It is Huck’s instincts that direct him in his decisions throughout the entire novel and by which he develops his own standards to live

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