Explain what the moral is in the story adventures of huckleberry finn
"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain is a novel with many layers and themes, and as such it contains numerous potential morals or lessons. However, one of the central moral themes of the book is the exploration of conscience versus societal values, and the moral growth and development of Huckleberry Finn himself as he questions the norms of his society.
Throughout the story, Huck is faced with the internal conflict between what he has been taught by the society he lives in—particularly regarding race and slavery—and what his own conscience tells him is right. Here are some key morals or lessons that can be drawn from the novel:
1. **Questioning societal norms**: The novel encourages readers to examine societal rules and laws critically, rather than accepting them blindly. Huck's journey shows the importance of forming one's own moral judgments rather than going along with the prejudiced and uncivilized views of the time.
2. **The wrongness of slavery**: As Huck and the escaped slave Jim travel down the Mississippi River, Huck is constantly grappling with the fact that he is helping Jim to freedom, which is considered wrong in the society in which he lives. However, through their shared humanity and friendship, Huck comes to realize that slavery is the true wrong, despite society's laws and beliefs.
3. **Personal morality over social morality**: Huck learns to follow his personal sense of right and wrong, even when it contradicts societal values. His choice to help Jim escape stands in stark contrast to the prevailing attitudes of his time, highlighting the importance of individual morality.
4. **Friendship and loyalty**: Huck's close bond with Jim informs his ethical development and demonstrates the power of friendship to transcend social and racial divides.
5. **The hypocrisy of "civilized" society**: The novel satirizes the idea that society is civilized, especially given its acceptance of slavery and the violence and dishonesty Huck witnesses among the people considered "respectable."
6. **Growth and transformation**: Huck undergoes significant moral growth throughout the story as he recognizes the humanity in everyone, regardless of race. This transformation illustrates the potential for personal change and societal progress.
It's important to note that the book is often viewed through different lenses, and its messages can vary depending on the reader's perspective. Some see it as a powerful critique of the racism and moral hypocrisy of the Antebellum South, while others find the portrayal of race and use of language disturbing or offensive, despite the anti-slavery sentiment that can be gleaned from Huck's journey.
Mark Twain's intent was to expose the moral failings of the society around him, which often masqueraded under notions of being "civilized" or "religious." By showing the world through the eyes of a child who is untainted by the corrupt morals of society, he invites readers to consider the nature of morality and the necessity of sometimes setting aside the rules of society to follow a higher, more humane law.