Huck Finn - Deformed Conscience

I agree with Twain's statement that this is a book where a "sound hear and a deformed conscience come into collision and conscience suffers defeat." There have been a couple different factors that have caused Huck to obtain this "deformed conscience". First, living with the widow has caused Huck to think things like if he saves Jim he will "go to Hell". In other words, he thinks more on the religious consequenses of going against his conscience. Society has installed in him that blacks are not equal to white man, and therefore shouldn't be treated equal. Also, the time he spent with the Grangerfords deformed Huck into thinking that it's O.K. to kill people as long as there is a "good" reason. Finally, I think Tom Sawyer has influenced Huck to believe that it's O.K. to steal or "borrow" whatever one needs. The important thing to remember, is that Huck is not the only kid that sufferes from a "deformed conscience". Almost every white boy and girl in this time suffered from the same sort of influences. I think Huck is actually one of the lucky ones who decides to go against his conscience and do what is right by rescueing Jim.

Influences like those that influenced Huck are definitely still at work today. I think they are more at work than we realize here in South Dakota, but if one travels to a bigger city, we can still see racial discrimination. We, as a country, though, are making major strides in becoming a discriminant free society. For instance, in this year's presidential race we are seeing the first African American president who is the front runner in the Democratic race.

I believe there are many forces that are working for peace between all blacks and whites. Whether it be individual people, or our government, I do believe America is trying to change. There are many groups and organization that spread the word about black and white integration, and we even dedicate a month to black history. I believe most all of American wants to see a change, but change takes time.