Huck struggles to decide what he should do when his heart and his conscience pull him in different directions. He eventually decides to go with his heart.
* Write a short essay explaining why you agree or disagree that this was a good strategy for Huck to pursue.
* Look back through the book and find specific examples that may have swayed Huck in one direction or the other to support your arguments.
* Your essay should be at least two paragraphs long.
I do not understand what decision Huck made in the story, please help.
Thank you
Doesn't his decision involve Jim?
In the story, "Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, Huck faces a moral dilemma when his heart and his conscience lead him in different directions. After various encounters and experiences, Huck ultimately decides to follow his heart. This essay will argue that Huck's decision to listen to his heart was a good strategy for him to pursue, as it allowed him to act on his empathy and sense of genuine compassion towards others.
Throughout the book, Huck's conscience often aligns with societal norms and beliefs. He is taught that helping a runaway slave, Jim, is morally wrong and sinful. However, as Huck spends more time with Jim, he realizes that Jim is a kind-hearted and caring individual. Huck's heart starts to develop a deep connection and friendship with Jim, leading him to question the legitimacy of societal rules and expectations. In Chapter 16, Huck's conscience tells him that he should turn Jim over to the authorities, but his heart disagrees, saying that he cannot betray their friendship. Huck's decision to trust his heart and protect Jim from the clutches of slavery demonstrates his moral growth and rejection of societal prejudices.
Moreover, Huck's heart leads him to make selfless and compassionate decisions throughout the story. When Huck and Jim come across two conmen, the Duke and the Dauphin, Huck's conscience warns him about their dishonesty and their manipulative schemes. However, despite his misgivings, Huck follows his heart and helps these conmen, hoping that they might change for the better. Unfortunately, they end up deceiving and causing harm to innocent people. Nonetheless, Huck's intentions were pure, showcasing his genuine care for the well-being of others. This incident highlights how Huck's heart allows him to see the potential good in people and make decisions based on compassion rather than blindly following societal expectations.
In conclusion, Huck's decision to follow his heart proves to be a good strategy for him to pursue in "Huckleberry Finn." By doing so, he challenges societal norms and prejudices and acts out of empathy and compassion. This approach is evident through Huck's relationship with Jim and his willingness to give the conmen a chance. Despite the potential consequences and conflicts presented by his conscience, Huck's heart leads him to make decisions that prioritize the well-being of others. Ultimately, by listening to his heart, Huck not only grows morally but also becomes a symbol of defiance against a flawed society.