The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
by Mark Twain (pseudonym
for Samuel L. Clemens)
As you read this American classic, keep a “portfolio”
of your responses. Turn in your
portfolio either in printed or electronic form.
Submissions should be carefully checked for spelling and grammar. Portfolios with too many errors will be
returned for improvements.
The novel is
available in the bookroom or on line at http://www.online
literature.com/twain/huckleberryfinn/ (Control+Click to follow link)
Or Google Books>www.google.com
More>Books>Title>Full View
Use this site to read your novel and/or select portions
to quote in your responses.
Project is due to Connie or Michele on or before Tuesday,
November 1.
1. Do a short web search and write a brief biographical sketch. Include why you think Mark Twain is considered a great American author and humorist and include information which may have influenced his character development. Be sure to cite your source. You can use Knight Cite to help you with the MLA style. http://www.calvin.edu/library/knightcite/index.php
2. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is told in the first person with Huck as the narrator. Twain used the dialects of the times so that the reader can almost hear Huck speaking. Select three examples of dialogue of three characters from the novel that clearly help readers hear and imagine what life along the Mississippi would be like. Explain why you selected each one.
3. This novel is episodic. The plot consists of numerous events, each of which is a very short story by itself. In at least one paragraph, explain how this style either adds to or takes away from the author’s ability to tell his story.
4. This classic novel emphasizes powerful contrasts throughout the book. Describe in at least two paragraphs, the differences between Huck and Tom and slavery and freedom.
5. Huck believes in the values of his society. One value is that slavery is right, and he shouldn’t help Jim escape. In at least two paragraphs, explain how does he help Jim and go against this value? Explain what the following statement means: “Huck was able to accept Jim as an individual.”
6. Why does Pap forbid Huck to go to school? Explain how Huck resolved his problem and why. How would you react to Pap’s demand if you were Huck? How might the situation be resolved in today’s society? Develop your thoughts and present in at least three paragraphs.
7. Huck quickly realizes that the Duke and Dauphin are “con men.” Huck has an ability to see these men for what they really are. What does this ability tell you about his character? What does his decision not to confront them about their fraud tell you? Explain in a short answer.
8. In a well-developed paragraph, explain why do you think an atmosphere of trust develops between Huck and Jim?
9. How did each of the following characters see their role in Huck’s life? Explain why in complete sentences.
Huck’s two “aunts”
Tom
Jim
Huck’s dad
10.
Locate the Mississippi River on a map of the
11. Read the information in this website: http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/railton/huckfinn/harcour1.html How did Twain react to the banning of his book? Do you agree or disagree with him?
12. Explain why The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was and still is considered too controversial for young readers in some communities. You might want to search for reviews.
13. Open www.twainquotes.com Skim through the alphabet and view the collection of art, illustrations, and quotations relating to Mark Twain. Select one of the many famous Twain quotes. Using any source to support your opinion, discuss what this quote tells about Twain and your reaction to what Twain has to say. Include why Twain is considered a great American author and humorist.
14. ESSAY --- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn contains many examples of stereotyping and labeling (ie: Jim as “just a slave,” Huck as “a rebel,” etc. Do a web search and locate a current event (anywhere in the world) where stereotyping has created a negative situation. (Examples: racial profiling in arrest cases, physical appearance in hiring practices, etc.---See Connie or Michele if you need help with your search.) Your essay should compare and contrast the current event to a situation in the novel. Follow the standard essay format which includes an introduction, thesis statement, support and a conclusion.
Extra Credit: Create an electronic portfolio of your work
similar to what you would create in Smart Lab.
Choosing to complete this project may determine the projects you choose
and the format. See Connie or Denise for
help.