Examples Of Individualism In Huckleberry Finn
Expressing Individualism
Can individualism survive in a conformist society? Mark Twain's best- selling novel called The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn tells the story of young boy’s adventurous escape from a conformist society in order to preserve his own identity and lifestyle. To escape, Huck travels down the Mississippi river on a raft; during his journey, he meets a black runaway slave named Jim. Both want to start a new beginning, with their own freedom. In the society they are living in, both of them need to conform to the rules of what is right or they will be scorned by civilized society. Although some people might say individuality is impossible in a conformist society, I would argue strongly that Huck Finn proves individuality …show more content…
The major disadvantage of a conformist society is the control and influence of social behavior. In the world of Huck Finn, he is having a difficult time recognizing and accepting Jim as a human being because of the strong beliefs and prejudices bestowed upon him by society. Huck contemplates the idea of surrendering Jim to authorities. He writes a letter the widow Douglas, stating “All right then, I’ll go to hell’-and tore it up.”(162). Huck Finn expresses his individuality by making the decision to go against society and help a runaway slave. After Huck tore up the letter, Jim is then captured by an old man and is taken to a cage. Huck is very worried for Jim and asks Tom Sawyer, his friend, “I know what you'll say. You'll say it's a dirty lowdown business; and I'm a going to steal him, and I want you to keep mum and not let on. Will you?”(170) Huck knows the wrongs and rights of civil obedience. He doesn’t believe that all the laws are good for humanity and decides to break the law. Huck’s actions reinforce his commitment to free himself from the restrictions and influences of society. Huck’s ongoing drive to confront the controlling influences of society have inspired him to consider and re-evaluate his decisions and personal beliefs based on his life
Can individualism survive in a conformist society? Mark Twain's best- selling novel called The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn tells the story of young boy’s adventurous escape from a conformist society in order to preserve his own identity and lifestyle. To escape, Huck travels down the Mississippi river on a raft; during his journey, he meets a black runaway slave named Jim. Both want to start a new beginning, with their own freedom. In the society they are living in, both of them need to conform to the rules of what is right or they will be scorned by civilized society. Although some people might say individuality is impossible in a conformist society, I would argue strongly that Huck Finn proves individuality …show more content…
The major disadvantage of a conformist society is the control and influence of social behavior. In the world of Huck Finn, he is having a difficult time recognizing and accepting Jim as a human being because of the strong beliefs and prejudices bestowed upon him by society. Huck contemplates the idea of surrendering Jim to authorities. He writes a letter the widow Douglas, stating “All right then, I’ll go to hell’-and tore it up.”(162). Huck Finn expresses his individuality by making the decision to go against society and help a runaway slave. After Huck tore up the letter, Jim is then captured by an old man and is taken to a cage. Huck is very worried for Jim and asks Tom Sawyer, his friend, “I know what you'll say. You'll say it's a dirty lowdown business; and I'm a going to steal him, and I want you to keep mum and not let on. Will you?”(170) Huck knows the wrongs and rights of civil obedience. He doesn’t believe that all the laws are good for humanity and decides to break the law. Huck’s actions reinforce his commitment to free himself from the restrictions and influences of society. Huck’s ongoing drive to confront the controlling influences of society have inspired him to consider and re-evaluate his decisions and personal beliefs based on his life