How Does Huckleberry Finn Reflect Southern Morality

In the pre-Civil War era, African-Americans were severely discriminated against because of their skin color, which influenced their low social ranking in society. Society in the deep South considered blacks inhumane, unworthy, and intellectually inferior. Children demonstrated the same behavior they observed from their parents/guardians; they were never exposed to equality of African-Americans, and were taught to view slaves as only property. Unfortunately, these views reflected Southern morality. In the novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, Huckleberry psychologically grows under the “informal” guardianship of Jim, a runaway slave. Huck learns right from wrong, and views blacks just like everyone else: human.
Early in the

Unfortunately, his actions is the complete opposite of what society wants him to do: to help a runaway slave gain freedom. He essentially runs away with a slave that once belongs to Miss Watson, a previous guardian of his. All of her attempts to civilize Huck is worthless to him because he blames himself for betraying her. Based on the quote, “I tried to make out to myself that I warn’t to blame, because I didn’t run Jim off from his rightful owner; but it warn’t no use, conscience up and says, every time, ‘But you knowed he was running for his freedom, and you could a paddled ashore and told somebody.’ That was so— I couldn’t get around that noway. That was where it pinched.” (Twain, 91), one can infer Huck is feeling guilty for betraying Miss Watson, regretful he never uses the opportunity to tell on Jim, and is conflicted to continue their expedition. Huck is challenged whenever it comes to Jim because he is young and does not understand the concept of morals and ethics. Fortunately, throughout their journey, Jim chooses the right path for him and Huck to follow, and progressively demonstrates what real friendship and love is like. Therefore, when Jim says, “Jim won’t ever forgit you, Huck; you’s de bes’ fren’ Jim’s ever had; en you’s de only fren’ ole Jim’s got now.” (Twain, 92), and “Dah you goes, de ole true Huck; de on’y white genlman dat ever kep’ his promise to ole Jim.” (Twain, 92), it makes Huck stop and think about how much he has already done and how significant he is in Jim’s life. Huck drops the blame and continues to stay quiet about Jim, even though it could cost him and Jim’s life. One could argue Huck’s decision to stay quiet about Jim is not an indication of morality, but is instead is a sense of fear because the townspeople already thinks Huck is dead, and it would only deepen his punishment if he is