Free Will In Huckleberry Finn

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Gandhi stated that “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” (Hardiman 1). Though not considered trash, a novel such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn accurately portrays Gandhi’s proverb . It showcases humanity’s ability to make positive choices, however few individuals do not follow the same amicable path. The author of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain, enables the characters in his story to exhibit free will regardless of their ability to make negative or despicable choices. The protagonist, Huck, has an immense capacity of enacting upon positive decisions benefiting and aiding others, as well as treating people based upon …show more content…

While traveling together down the river Huck and Jim, accompanied by the king and duke, came to a stop after passing their original destination, Cairo, during the night. While at the stop Huck overheard the king and duke put out a reward for Jim. Huck knows that if Miss Watson finds the reward notice, he will return back with Miss Watson.Therefore she will sell him elsewhere. When faced with this difficult situation Huck decided to write a letter to Miss Watson, however, after finishing his final sentence he realizes how Jim contains similar emotions and feelings as him and other caucasians. Huck yells after tearing up the letter “All right then, I’ll go to Hell” (Twain 31). This action supports the individual's right to think differently from mankind and express their free will or ability to choose how they interact with others. Huck treats a person of color equally when Jim discusses his relationship with his family and his past. While listening to Jim talk about his family, Huck understands that Jim cares about his family as much as a white person does and so he says “I knowed he was white inside” (Twain 30). This interaction between Huck and Jim signifies that Huck sees Jim as equal despite the racial bias set forth by mankind's stigma around different races. This scenario accurately supports Twain's idea of equality and fair treatment for all

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