Huck Finn

Huck Discussion Questions XXXI - XXXV

1. Would you say that Chapter 31 represents the climax of the novel? Why or why not?

2. Huck says, "All right, then, I'll go to hell." Explain the irony in that statement.

3. Discuss the symbolism of the imagery at the beginning of Chapter 32.

4. Discuss Huck's understanding of Providence (215)? Would Miss Watson agree?

5. How does Twain use irony in the discussion between Huck and Mrs. Phelps about the "steamboat accident."

6. One of the recurring themes becomes apparent when Huck discovers that the Phelps are expecting Tom Sawyer. Which theme comes to mind and why?

7. Huck and Tom both agree to help Jim escape; however, their motives are different. Explain.

8. "...and as they went by I see they had the king and duke astraddle of a rail - that is, I knowed it WAS the king and the duke, though they was all over tar and feathers. ...Well it made me sick to see it; and I was sorry for them poor pitiful rascals. ...Human beings CAN be cruel to one another" (225). Comment. What does this reveal about Huck's character?

9. Discuss the irony in Tom's reaction to the stealing of the watermelon.

10. Why does Huck let Tom take control? Huck Discussion Questions XL-Chapter the Last

1. What do we learn about Jim in these chapters?

2. What effect does the Doctor's speech in support of Jim have? How do you feel about that?

3. What is the significance of the bullet?

4. Where is Huck going at the end of the novel? What does this imply about his view of the world in which he lives?

5. Comment on the style of the novel. Do you feel it represents the Realist tradition as we have discussed it? What aspects of Huck's character make him a good narrator? What problems did you encounter (if any) due to Huck's narration? Speculate on how a different narrator or a third person omniscient narrator would impact the story.

Unit Learning goal: Students will demonstrate knowledge of nineteenth century foundation works of American Literature by analyzing satire in Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and relating one of its main themes to another text and issue of the time. 

Scale/Rubric relating to learning goal:

4 – The student can analyze Mark Twain’s use of satire to address an issue of the day and compare/contrast multiple themes in the text with other texts of realism

3 – The student can analyze satire used in Huckleberry Finn and connect a major theme of the book to another text and issue of the time

2 – With some direction/help from the teacher the student can analyze the satire in Huckleberry Finn and connect the novel to a issue of the day

1 – Even with help from the teacher the student is unable to analyze satire or connect the novel to an issue of the day. 

 

Reading Schedule:

2/9  chapters 24 and 25

2/10 chapters 26 and 27

2/11 chapters 28 and 29

Weekend homework: 30 and 31

2/15 chapters 32 and 33

2/16 chapters 34 and 35

2/17 chapters 36 and 37

2/18 chapters 38 and 39

Weekend homework: Finish the novel and study questions.