Huck As Hero

In all books, long as well as short, there is a character that stands above the rest. This character must demonstrate high moral character and set an example for the rest of the novels cast. Another name for this super being, is a hero, a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities (Webster). In Twains novel, Huckleberry Finn, it is evident that Huck is the hero of the novel. Throughout this book, Huck demonstrates the epitome of heroism, for the attitude that he posses, as well as his actions and willingness to change.

Huck can be called a hero for a great number or reasons throughout the book. In every chapter we notice little things that point in the favor of Huck being one. Huck does things that only one with good morals and a good heart would condone. Huck was brought from a abusive family and it did not hold him back. Huck expresses himself as a true transindentalist, he tries to break from the corruption of society and conformity. By the way he cares for poor Jim he shows the highest mindset in Twain’s novel. Huck is the only one who can put the fact of racial times and culture behind him. Although exposed too the greatest amount of corruption, Huck is the purest character in the book.

From the beginning of the novel, one can observe the inner strength of young Huck. Huck was a “beaten and bruised” child, coming from a family where the only guidance that the boy had was from his drunken Pap (Dynos 13). Due to a lack of leadership to follow in, Huck was forced to raise himself. It takes a strong character to raise oneself (18), and Huck did one hell of a job doing it. Children gain much of who they are from how they were brought up, during this critical period children can be made or broken. Huck is the exception, he had nobody to look up to or imitate, instead he did as what he felt the right thing to do. Huck didn’t know everything there was to learn, but he did try. If he did not know what or why something happens, he created a logical explanation and that was that. For example, we can see Huck’s superstition throughout the book, he uses this because of one reason, it works for him. If the shoe fits, then by god, wear it.

Many people easily fall into corrupt things, such as conformity. One can test the strength of a mind by observing its ability to r...

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...at he could start a whole revolution of freeing slaves. Therefore Huck composes a letter to Mrs. Watson, apologizing for the crime that he committed, the only thing that stops Huck from sending this letter, is himself. When Jim gloats he has the greatest friend and how much he loves Huck, Huck can only feel the sorrow of what Jims fate would be if the letter was sent. At this point Huck is one hundred percent ready and his mind is made up he doesn’t care, “well then ill go to hell”(56), exclaims Huck as he stands his ground.

It is obvious that Huck is the hero of Huckleberry Finn, for many reasons. Huck’s commitment to good morals and a strong person make him an unforgettable character. By not giving in and standing his ground Huck remains pure in thoughts. The way he treats others and causes no harm to other beings makes him pure in actions. Huck could have been 180 degrees different due to all the things he was put through as a child and young adult, but no. Huck realized his parents mistakes as well as the mistakes in society as many people do today, the thing that makes him a hero, is Huck did something to change them and that takes pure heroism.