Development of huck finn

A detailed Summary of Development of huck finn


Character is developed by experience. When a person is young, they are impressionable, and will often change their beliefs and values depending on the situation. I feel that this is because children have such a small amount of personal experience and knowledge. These two possessions cannot be taught and must be acquired first-hand. Knowledge allows people to make their own decisions and have some idea of what the outcome will be. Personal experience is, in not to abstract a way, the same thing. Experience, by definition, is the "Active participation in events or activities, leading to the accumulation of knowledge or skill." (American Herit. "experience").

Experience and knowledge define a person as an individual. Every sentient being draws from their experiences in the formation of their values and in their responses. Every person met, every conversation had, every day lived, shapes us. And just as how a small sum of money seems to be a fortune, someone without much experience will learn astounding amounts from every simple thing.

Huckleberry Finn, when the story opens, has been stuck in the same town for most of his life. Up until the early to mid 1900's, the average person never traveled more than 50 miles from their home.


By setting out on his own, Huck has made a large decision that he knows will determine the outcome of rest of his life. To him going back to the widow is not an option because he was so miserable, and going back to his father is also not an option because he fears the beating he will receive. Feeling as if he will not miss the town or its inhabitants and thinking that his father will soon have his riches, Huck tells himself he has nothing to loose and sets out.

Also evolving through out the plot is Huckleberry's kindness toward others. Whereas in the beginning of the novel, Huck had no problem with stealing and playing tricks on Jim. Even by chapter 16, Huck is hatching a plan to get the robbers aboard the steamboat caught. In chapter 26, disgusted by the complete lack of respect on the behalf of the Duke and the Dauphin, Huck resolves to reveal his companions deceit in order to save the true heirs from poverty. The Huck Finn we knew in the beginning of the book most likely would have demanded a share of the profit. And here the same character is, trying to help the Wilks daughters for no foreseeable gain.

Mark Twain wrote: "A book of mine where a sound heart and a deformed conscience come into collision and conscience suffers defeat." (www.twainquotes.com).

Before this journey, I doubt that anyone had seriously depended on Huckleberry. Jim, without another soul in the world to trust, turned to Huck. There were many situations where it was only by Huck's quick thinking and courage that Jim retained his freedom. Such as when Huck claimed that his family was sick with small pox on the boat (pg. 78), or when Huck attempts to rescue Jim from his captors in the last few chapters. However, the dependency was not only one way. Huck grew to love Jim and depended on him for support, and comfort.

All through the novel, Finn is constantly battling with his conscience over what is the right choice. He was troubled by his conscience when one side of him said to turn Jim in because it was the law, while the other side kept him bound to his promise and his friend. He was troubled when he had to decide whether to inform Mary Jane of his companions deception, or simply arrange for her to get the money back. Every conflict ended with the true and honest decision being made. Huck had sprouted an iron will and grown a just mind, these two would lead him through the novel and force him to do what's right.

Strangely, despite the fact that they were living under the same roof, Huckleberry and Jim don't seem as if they were all that close to each other prior to starting on t

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Approximate Word count = 1743
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

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