Why is the turning point of the novel considered to be when Huck chooses to go to hell?

Answer 1

He is sticking to his own morals instead of following what society considers to be "good" or "bad."

Huck is conflicted between doing what those members of society with a better upbringing consider to be right and what he feels is right. At this moment, Huck has two choices. First, he can choose to do the "right" thing and turn in Jim. He believes if he does this, he will no longer be a wicked "low-down" person and he will be able to go to heaven. Second, he could choose to "take up wickedness again" and help free Jim. He believes that if he does this he would be sinning against God and it would ensure that he would go to Hell. 

By choosing to go to Hell, Huck, unknowingly, is admitting to himself that society's idea of right and wrong is different from his own. He is admitting to himself that Jim does not hold up to society's idea of black people--Jim is a human being deserving of freedom. Huck is also finally putting the well-being of another person over his own and believes he will literally burn in Hell for eternity for doing it.

Answer 2

He is sticking to his own morals instead of following what society considers to be "good" or "bad."

Huck is conflicted between doing what those members of society with a better upbringing consider to be right and what he feels is right. At this moment, Huck has two choices. First, he can choose to do the "right" thing and turn in Jim. He believes if he does this, he will no longer be a wicked "low-down" person and he will be able to go to heaven. Second, he could choose to "take up wickedness again" and help free Jim. He believes that if he does this he would be sinning against God and it would ensure that he would go to Hell. 

By choosing to go to Hell, Huck, unknowingly, is admitting to himself that society's idea of right and wrong is different from his own. He is admitting to himself that Jim does not hold up to society's idea of black people--Jim is a human being deserving of freedom. Huck is also finally putting the well-being of another person over his own and believes he will literally burn in Hell for eternity for doing it.

Answer 3

The turning point in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" occurs when Huck decides to go to hell by helping Jim escape slavery, defying societal norms and his own beliefs. This decision shows Huck's growth in moral conscience and marks a shift in his character towards greater empathy and compassion. It propels the story forward towards themes of freedom, friendship, and individuality.

Answer 4

I think it's because up to that point, Huck has been trying to fit himself into this world that doesn't make sense to him. Upstanding members of the community, "The Quality," are morally self-righteous while they also own slaves. They pay attention to the small stuff (manners, social formalities), while ignoring the big stuff (treating other human beings as property). When Huck decided to go to hell, he is formally renouncing this nonsensical reality for his own reality, even if it means personal strife. He has just made a huge sacrifice (going to hell) for his own personal integrity. He has, in a sense, become his own man with this decision.