Huck's values
I just finished "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn". I think Mark Twain is one of the most inventive authors I've read. I realize I'm probably preaching to the choir in saying that.
One thing I was struck by, though, was how socially-imposed values can be so perverse: Huck actually feels guilty for NOT turning in Jim. He thinks that to do right, he must return someone else's "property"! Yes, a different time with different values, but it is arresting to me.
While I don't believe in the summary rejection of all societal values, it is amazing to me how some socially-imposed ones can be so perverse.
Of course, he does the humanitarian thing in the end, but to feel guilty for it is astonishing. I suppose that kind of thinking has led to perversions throughout history, i.e.: follow orders regardless of how horrific they may be. And we all can name examples.
One thing I was struck by, though, was how socially-imposed values can be so perverse: Huck actually feels guilty for NOT turning in Jim. He thinks that to do right, he must return someone else's "property"! Yes, a different time with different values, but it is arresting to me.
While I don't believe in the summary rejection of all societal values, it is amazing to me how some socially-imposed ones can be so perverse.
Of course, he does the humanitarian thing in the end, but to feel guilty for it is astonishing. I suppose that kind of thinking has led to perversions throughout history, i.e.: follow orders regardless of how horrific they may be. And we all can name examples.
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