Nature Vs Nurture In Huckleberry Finn

There cannot be one without the other such as a beginning with no ending or success without sacrifice. Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn illustrates the dependent relationship of nature and nurture in the development of a young child. “Nature” is commonly associated with genetics and inherent behaviors and “nurture” to various forms of upbringing and experience; therefore, the terms are often regarded as independent. However, the controversial causes of adolescent maturation allow for a comparison to be identified amongst the potential factors of evolution: nature and nurture. Twain’s novel captures the growth of the young protagonist, Huckleberry Finn, while simultaneously depicting the importance of both his genetics and upbringing

When analyzing the impacts of nature versus nurture regarding childhood development, Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, negates the superiority of one notion through the utilization of the characters, tone, and themes to suggest that experience and inherited behavioral traits are equally influential. Huck’s relationships with various characters throughout the novel exemplify his altruistic nature. For example, Huck’s friendship with Jim, a runaway slave, and the Wilks sisters demonstrate his natural ability to empathize. An unlikely bond forms between a white boy from the South and a slave as Huck embarks on his journey down the Mississippi River. Despite the discriminatory and oppressive environment surrounding him, Huck chooses to alienate himself from the prejudicial society that surrounds him by helping Jim escape slave hunters and even his own extended family member, Miss Watson. Huck spontaneously decides to disregard the possible consequences of his actions. His behavior “can be

Both Pap, Huck’s father, and Widow Douglas significantly contribute to his audacious personality. They also support the theory that the behaviors of parents or guardians embody influences that must be analyzed when attempting to understand the competence of children (Ashmore 147). For example, Pap is the epitome of an atrocious father figure; through alcohol abuse, child abandonment, and attempted theft of Huck’s money, Pap chooses to ignore the best interest of others as he remains self consumed. The standard of living Pap presents to Huck is the source of his carefree behavior illustrated by fact that “parents of maltreated children seem to possess a belief system comprised mainly of their own views” (151). In comparison to his father, Huck embodies the same selfish impulsivity that encourages him to act on his own behalf with little regard for the effects his actions may have on others. Despite the behavioral traits Huck adopted from living with his father, he manages to utilize his audacious nature in the form of good deeds. For instance, Huck traumatizes his friend’s relatives to ensure Jim’s freedom from slavery. In addition, Huck’s impulsive character develops due to his encounters with the Widow Douglas. The Widow constantly promotes helping the less fortunate and doing what is morally right. After saving two robbers from a sinking ship, Huck declares, “I