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Moral Dilemma In Huck Finn

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“The truth is better, and actually safer than a lie.” ( Twain, 198), but is this really always the case? The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, examines this complex question. The novel set in the South, prior to the civil war, and follows the main characters: Huckleberry Finn, the son of the town’s drunk and Jim, a runaway slave, as they travel from Missouri to Illinois for freedom.;Huck, in hopes of escaping his abusive father, and Jim in hopes of escaping the bonds of slavery. Throughout the novel Huck struggles with the moral dilemma of valuing and wanting to be honest but, impulsively being untrustworthy. Twain includes this dilemma as part of Huck’s character because he is trying to make the point that morality isn’t always …show more content…

Often times in the novel, Huck chooses to be honest. For example, Huck finally makes up his mind to tell the truth about the fraudulence committed by the duke and the king to Mary Jane, the “supposed” niece of the two men.“These uncles of yourn ain’t no uncles at all- they’re a couple of frauds- regular deadbeats” (Twain 199). In this scene, Huck confesses out of genuine guilt for being a part of a whole elaborate plot in which Mary Jane and her family ( who have been nothing but kind and hospitable towards him) are being ruthless,conned emotionally and financially. Additionally, he feels sympathy for her as he has already experienced what it is like to have money stolen by a “dead beat”(his father). Since Huck’s intent is to help the family’s well being--in spite not benefiting himself--his actions are moral. However, other instances throughout the novel show that honesty does not always result in morality. Towards the end of the book, Huck debates over the decision on whether to turn in Jim to Miss Watson, until at one point he makes up his mind. “I got a piece of paper and a pencil, all glad and excited, and set down and wrote: Miss Watson your runaway nigger Jim is down here two miles below Pikesville and Mr. Phelps has got him and he will give him up for the reward if you send. Huck Finn.” (Twain 222) Huck wants to …show more content…

Despite Huck the fact that Huck is often shown being dishonest he is not m
Because he wants to do the right thing
Throughout The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain illustrates that morality isn’t always as black and white as it is commonly considered.uck demonstrates that truthfulness and untruthfulness can be decided. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn urges its readers to look beyond the boundaries of good and bad. This War 20th 21st century had

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