Huck's Moral Development

In “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”, by Mark Twain, the main character (Huck Finn) progresses through a unique moral development. Because he is not introduced to ‘proper society’ at a young age, he is given the liberty to view society’s standards in an objective manner. Pap’s removal of Huck from society also reinforces his ability to view society in a detached manner.
The river which takes Jim and Huck on their many adventures is often thought of as an alternate reality, a place which is separate from the customary constraints of society. This additional isolation lends to Huck’s ability to develop as an individual, rather than as a member of society. He is able to develop his own sense of morals and beliefs.
When Huck is faced with the decision of whether or not to report Jim to his ‘owners’, he is able to base that decision on his personal moral guidelines as a result of his detachment from proper society. He makes this decision based on what he personally believes is right, even though it might mean that he ‘goes to hell’. Although originally his decision to keep Jim as a traveling companion may have been heavily influenced by the practicality of the situation (Jim can help and protect him), eventually he does come to see Jim as an individual. Because Jim is an African-American and a slave, accepting him as a person would not have been typical of the ‘proper society’ which Huck chooses to shun.
It is thought by many that at the end of this novel, by agreeing to Tom’s elaborate scheme to free Jim (instead of taking the more sensible approach) that Huck is going against his newly developed morals. However, even though Huck may not appear to make a choice that aligns with his newly founded beliefs (which include respecting Jim as an individual and as a person), the fact remains that, in the end, Huck will accomplish his moral objective in the eventual freedom of Jim. It cannot be denied that, in order for him to function in society, it is necessary for him to make minor concessions (which include complying with Tom’s schemes).