"My idea of ​​our civilization is that it is a cheap thing, poor, and full of cruelty, vanity, arrogance, meanness, and hypocrisies," Mark Twain once reflected. Morality does not thrive in such a society, as illustrated by rampant violence and racism. Living in such an environment, Huck Finn assimilates many of its prejudices. However, societal influences, both positive and negative, cease to affect Huck upon his departure, suggesting that these are external elements. Once these influences are removed, the development of Huck's inner moral self begins to emerge. The conflicts that arise during Huck's journey south arise directly from the clash between his developing moral nature and the "conscience" dictated by his society, brought together by external circumstances. Huck "[finds himself] often enough 'in formal opposition' to what are considered 'the most sacred laws of society,' through obedience to even more sacred laws, and so he has tested his resolve without departing from his road" (Thoreau). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The “sacred laws” that Thoreau refers to can be used to describe Huck's emerging morality. It is the laws of itself, the laws of humanity - morals based on the fundamental principles of tolerance and equality between everything, both human and natural. This morality is in direct contrast to cruelty, racism, and hypocrisy, behaviors that hurt others and violate the fundamental principle of tolerance. “Human beings can be terribly cruel to each other,” Huck observes when he sees the duke and king tarred and feathered. Unlike the punishment of the villagers, Huck's actions are never meant to hurt anyone, because he respects the humanity of others. Driven by his new independence and guided by Jim, Huck begins to "derive his 'fresh' values, to mine them from experience, to create his own moral conscience" (Warren). Jim helps in Huck's moral development; through their friendship, he is able to perceive Jim as another human being, deserving of tolerance, just like white people. Huck's growing morality manifests itself in a transformation from passive tolerance to active compassion. This change is reflected in his care of the Wilkes girls. However, Huck's morality is continually tested when he is forced to confront the immoral elements of society. Every time Huck reengages with society, his principles must be tested. Often their perseverance requires self-sacrifice. The duke and king, for example, “possess consciences distorted enough to make them…masters of all those they examine, [including Huck and Jim]” (Pearce). Huck's tolerance for scoundrels simply results in them taking advantage of him. Furthermore, what society has imprinted on Huck continues to influence him significantly. The culmination of this moral dilemma occurs when Huck debates whether or not to turn Jim in. Despite the racism Huck has imbibed from society, the morality he has developed prevails, and "he could not seem to find any point that could harden him against [Jim], but only the other kind." Ultimately, Huck chooses to help Jim achieve freedom and declares, "Okay, then I'll go to hell." His "healthy heart" clearly triumphs over society's "warped conscience" when Huck decides to damn himself to hell. Huck's willingness to sacrifice himself reflects his attainment of a higher moral status. Similarly, Henry David Thoreau describes the abolitionist John Brown as a character.