The hero of Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn embodies in many ways the characteristics of self-reliance advocated by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Huckleberry Finn acts without regard for the morality of his society and without concern for others' perception of him. However, contrary to Emersonian philosophy, Huck feels guilty for his actions which he believes are wrong in the eyes of society and has a very low opinion of himself; both traits that certainly would not be seen by Emerson as “self-sufficient.” Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Huckleberry Finn is an adopted son; raised by a drunken and usually homeless father, he is used to dressing in rags and sleeping outdoors among animals. Although this is the life he is comfortable with and he does not like to lead a “civilized” life, he still believes the latter is what is “regular and decent” (Twain 9). Huck thus accepts his place at the bottom rung of the social ladder. While he is happiest when he is free to do as he wishes, without the restrictions of church or school or parental guidance; however, he recognizes his inferiority 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 belief that his preferred way of life is not one that is "regular and decent" is inconsistent with the beliefs of Emerson, who calls for all men to believe that "the only right is that which is according to my constitution, the only wrong that which is contrary” (Emerson 22). Huck's upbringing by a poor, abusive father has left him with an ingrained sense of self-loathing 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 her decision not to give up on Jim. Although Huck has no qualms about the institution of slavery and believes he is stealing Miss Watson's property by allowing Jim to escape, he still remains loyal to his friend. Huck believes that what he is doing is wrong to the point that he even writes a letter to Miss Watson, informing her of Jim's position. In the end, however, Huck does not give up on his friend; he tears up the letter exclaiming, “All right, then I'll go to hell” (Twain 228). This action is evidence that Huck puts his own inferences based on his own experience over society's values, and is certainly self-sufficient. Huck is not discouraged by the thought 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 stated that a self-sufficient individual does not care “what people think” (Emerson 23). However, Huck's lack of belief in the rightness of his actions is antithetical to self-confidence. In fact, Huck cannot believe that Tom Sawyer, a boy who grew up in a respectable family, agrees to help him free Jim; try to convince him otherwise. Huck says, “Here's a respectable, well-bred boy; and he had character to lose... and yet here he was, with no more pride, or justice, or feeling, than to stoop to this matter, and make himself a disgrace, and his family a disgrace, before all" (Twain 247 - 8). Huck thinks it is acceptable for a low class person like him to deviate from social morality, but he cannot accept it.