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How do protagonists in American Literature appear to be descendants of Huckleberry Finn in terms of their attitudes and perceptions?

With Huck Finn, Mark Twain gave America and many writers a precocious, socially critical protagonist.

1. Scout Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird shares several similarities with Huck.  She is curious about the world she sees around her, acts like an adult, and does not simply follow what society commands.

2. Nick Carraway from The Great Gatsby is also similar.  Although he is not a child as Huck and Scout are, he arrives in New York innocent of much of society's evils. In the end, he manages not to become thoroughly corrupted, but unfortunately, is unable to avoid the disillusionment that many of the era have developed.

Mainly for comparisons to Huck, think of main characters who provide a perspective of American society that is critical or satirical. Twain's Huck helped pave the way for Hemingway's new American hero.  After Huck, most writers veer away from the old Romantic hero who saves the world with a cheery smile. In his place is an everyday person thrown into a situation in which he must help others but who also struggles with the problems he sees in the world around him.

The previous post was quite strong in its analysis.  In some respects, the entire genre of young adult literature owes a debt to Twain's character of Huck Finn.  Think of the boys in the Stephen King short story, "The Body."  Their trials and journeys embody similar aspects in both meaning, mischief, and youthful exuberance as Huck. The view of American society that Sal and Dean present in Kerouac's On the Road are also similar to the social critique and the songs of innocence and experience that art sung (to pull from Blake).

I see Han Solo in the Star Wars films as a descendant of Huck Finn, although Han is an adult. He is what Huck would have grown up to be, a dashing, devil-may-care sort who values his friends and loves adventure. Han’s friendship with Chewbacca and their travels together remind me of Huck and Jim’s voyage on the raft.

I think it was Hemingway who said, "All American literature begins with Huckleberry Finn." Putting the various satirical and entertaining episodes aside, the novel is the story of a person who experiences intense internal conflict, rejects his society, and makes a deeply moral decision, willing to sacrifice his soul in doing what he believes to be right. Huck's integrity and moral courage can be found in many literary protagonists to follow. Atticus Finch certainly comes to mind.