The hero of Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in many ways embodies the characteristics of self-reliance advocated by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Huckleberry Finn acts without consideration for the morality of his society and without concern for others' perceptions of him. However, contrary to Emersonian philosophy, Huck feels guilty for his actions which he considers bad in the eyes of society and has a very low opinion of himself; two traits that would certainly not be considered by Emerson to be “autonomous.” Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original Essay Huckleberry Finn is a foster child; Raised by a drunkard father and generally homeless, he is used to dressing in rags and sleeping outside among animals. Although this is the life he feels comfortable with and he does not like living a "civilized" life, he still believes that the latter is what is "regular and decent" (Twain 9). Huck thus accepts his place at the bottom of the social ladder. While he is happiest when he is free to do what he wants, without the restrictions of church, school or parental guidance; he nevertheless recognizes his inferiority compared to those who adhere to such conventions. Specifically, he admires Tom Sawyer, an unworthy idol, and constantly praises Tom's intelligence, creativity, and even moral values. Huck Finn's self-degradation and his belief that his preferred lifestyle is not that which is "regular and decent" are inconsistent with the beliefs of Emerson, who demands that all men believe: "the only right is what is consistent with my constitution, the only right.” evil is that which is against it” (Emerson 22). Huck's upbringing by a poor and abusive father has left him with an ingrained sense of self-contempt that leads him to believe that he is wrong and that the moral values ​​of civilization are correct. Although Huck recognizes society's moral beliefs, he does not necessarily adhere to them. Throughout the novel, Huck's actions show his selflessness. The most important example of this quality is his decision not to abandon Jim. Although Huck has no qualms about the institution of slavery and believes that he is stealing Miss Watson's possessions by allowing Jim to escape, he nevertheless remains loyal to his friend. Huck thinks what he is doing is wrong to the extent that he even writes a letter to Miss Watson, informing her of Jim's location. But in the end, Huck does not abandon his friend; he tears up the letter, exclaiming, “Very well, then I will go to hell” (Twain 228). This action is proof that Huck places his own deductions based on his own experience ahead of society's values, and it certainly stands on its own. Huck is not deterred by the idea of ​​what others might think of him – in fact, he is already a social outcast. This trait is certainly one that Emerson would have praised; he asserted that an autonomous individual does not care “what people think” (Emerson 23). However, Huck's lack of belief in the rightness of his own actions is contrary to autonomy. Indeed Huck cannot believe that Tom Sawyer, a boy raised in a respectable family, agrees to help him free Jim; he tries to convince him otherwise. Huck said, “Here is a respectable, well-bred boy; and had a character to lose…and yet there he stood, with no more pride, rightness, or feeling than to stoop to this matter and shame himself and his family before all the world” (Twain 247 - 8). Huck thinks it is acceptable for a lower class person like him to deviate from social morals, but cannot accept that someone.