Discussion Questions
Chapters 1-3
Which character appears to be presented in a more favorable light, Widow Douglas or Miss. Watson? Why do you think so?
Widow Douglas appears to presented in a more favorable light because she doesn't nag Huckleberry like Miss. Watson does. Also, Widow Douglas tells Huckleberry the story of Moses which he liked a lot. He really enjoyed the story, but he was upset when he found out that Moses was already dead. Miss. Watson, on the other hand, is constantly admonishing Huckleberry about his behavior and she is always preaching to him which he doesn't like.
This shows us that Huckleberry still just wants to be free and able to make his own decisions without people constantly nagging him
Widow Douglas appears to presented in a more favorable light because she doesn't nag Huckleberry like Miss. Watson does. Also, Widow Douglas tells Huckleberry the story of Moses which he liked a lot. He really enjoyed the story, but he was upset when he found out that Moses was already dead. Miss. Watson, on the other hand, is constantly admonishing Huckleberry about his behavior and she is always preaching to him which he doesn't like.
This shows us that Huckleberry still just wants to be free and able to make his own decisions without people constantly nagging him
How does Huckleberry respond to Miss. Watson's admonitions to pray? What does this tell us about Huck?
Huck tries following her advice to pray, but he eventually gives up because he comes to the conclusion that it doesn't work. This is because Miss. Watson told him that whatever he prayed for he would receive; he tried this but after a few days he didn't get what he prayed for. Also, he responds by going into the forest and contemplating whether it is worth it to follow her advice. He comes to the conclusion that there is nothing in it for him.
This shows us that because of Huck's lack of education, he takes everything very literally and the motives behind what he does are based on whether o not he will gain from it. Another example of this is when Huck is convinced that genies are real- he takes everything that Tom says literally too.
Huck tries following her advice to pray, but he eventually gives up because he comes to the conclusion that it doesn't work. This is because Miss. Watson told him that whatever he prayed for he would receive; he tried this but after a few days he didn't get what he prayed for. Also, he responds by going into the forest and contemplating whether it is worth it to follow her advice. He comes to the conclusion that there is nothing in it for him.
This shows us that because of Huck's lack of education, he takes everything very literally and the motives behind what he does are based on whether o not he will gain from it. Another example of this is when Huck is convinced that genies are real- he takes everything that Tom says literally too.
Does Huck fear going to hell? Why or why not?
Huck doesn't fear going to hell. When Miss. Watson describes heaven as singing and playing harps all day, Huckleberry decides that this doesn't sound like fun at all. Also, he asks if Tom will go to the good place because he wants to go wherever Tom is going. He is fine when Miss. Watson tells him that Tom is probably not going to go to the good place. Because of Huckleberry's lack of education, he doesn't know a whole lot about Heaven verses Hell or about prayer so this is why he doesn't feel as though he should be afraid to go to the bad place.
Huck doesn't fear going to hell. When Miss. Watson describes heaven as singing and playing harps all day, Huckleberry decides that this doesn't sound like fun at all. Also, he asks if Tom will go to the good place because he wants to go wherever Tom is going. He is fine when Miss. Watson tells him that Tom is probably not going to go to the good place. Because of Huckleberry's lack of education, he doesn't know a whole lot about Heaven verses Hell or about prayer so this is why he doesn't feel as though he should be afraid to go to the bad place.
Chapters 4-6
What is a hairball? What does this tell us about slave culture?
A hairball is literally just a ball of hair usually from an animal. This particular hairball was from the fourth stomach of an ox. Jim says that there was spirit inside the hairball and it could do magic. This shows that the slave culture was very superstitious and that they believed in magic and spirits. The fact that the slaves weren't well educated was the reason that they didn't know the what’s, why’s, and how’s about hairballs. Even Huckleberry Finn believed that the hairball could really tell the future.
What is ironic about Pa's holding Huckleberry against his will?
It is ironic because Pa is trapped in an addiction to alcohol and Huckleberry has the power of free will because of his free mind. Also, Huckleberry isn't there necessarily against his will. Huckleberry thinks that the life in the woods is lazy and comfortable; he doesn't want to return to the widow and become civilized. The downside of life with Pap is Pap's drunken state when he beats Huckleberry, Another reason that Huckleberry isn't there completely against his will is because he has found a saw which he can use to escape the next time that Pap leaves and locks Huckleberry in the cabin.
How does the physical description of Huckleberry's father in Chapter Five also serve to describe his character?
Huckleberry's Pap is described as having long, greasy hair, wearing rags, and having old, used boots on his feet that are so old that his toes poke out through the tips of them. This also describes his character which is greasy for money and messy with his words. He doesn't care about what people think of him as long as he gets what he wants. He is an alcoholic so when he gets drunk, sometimes he falls asleep on the road or in a pit of mud, so his clothes display this. He is not hard working at all which is why he can't afford better clothes, and he just wants his son's money. His ripped boots show that he can't afford better transportation other than walking and he can't afford to buy new boots. This also shows that he is not well educated so he doesn't know how to repair his clothes or mend his boots which can be done with some rubber/ tire rubber. His character is unpredictable- sometimes he is drunk, but when he isn't he could either be in a trial to get money/ custody of his son or he could be at the Judge's house repenting for his sins. This corresponds to his personal hygiene because you never know what might crawl out of his long, greasy hair.....
A hairball is literally just a ball of hair usually from an animal. This particular hairball was from the fourth stomach of an ox. Jim says that there was spirit inside the hairball and it could do magic. This shows that the slave culture was very superstitious and that they believed in magic and spirits. The fact that the slaves weren't well educated was the reason that they didn't know the what’s, why’s, and how’s about hairballs. Even Huckleberry Finn believed that the hairball could really tell the future.
What is ironic about Pa's holding Huckleberry against his will?
It is ironic because Pa is trapped in an addiction to alcohol and Huckleberry has the power of free will because of his free mind. Also, Huckleberry isn't there necessarily against his will. Huckleberry thinks that the life in the woods is lazy and comfortable; he doesn't want to return to the widow and become civilized. The downside of life with Pap is Pap's drunken state when he beats Huckleberry, Another reason that Huckleberry isn't there completely against his will is because he has found a saw which he can use to escape the next time that Pap leaves and locks Huckleberry in the cabin.
How does the physical description of Huckleberry's father in Chapter Five also serve to describe his character?
Huckleberry's Pap is described as having long, greasy hair, wearing rags, and having old, used boots on his feet that are so old that his toes poke out through the tips of them. This also describes his character which is greasy for money and messy with his words. He doesn't care about what people think of him as long as he gets what he wants. He is an alcoholic so when he gets drunk, sometimes he falls asleep on the road or in a pit of mud, so his clothes display this. He is not hard working at all which is why he can't afford better clothes, and he just wants his son's money. His ripped boots show that he can't afford better transportation other than walking and he can't afford to buy new boots. This also shows that he is not well educated so he doesn't know how to repair his clothes or mend his boots which can be done with some rubber/ tire rubber. His character is unpredictable- sometimes he is drunk, but when he isn't he could either be in a trial to get money/ custody of his son or he could be at the Judge's house repenting for his sins. This corresponds to his personal hygiene because you never know what might crawl out of his long, greasy hair.....
Chapters 7-8
How does Huckleberry escape from the cabin? What does this tell the reader about Huckleberry?
Before Huckleberry actually escaped, he had found a saw, and he used this to break away a board so that he could escape from the when Pap wasn't around. His chance to escape comes when Pap leaves with nine logs to sell in town. Huckleberry uses the saw to get out of the cabin, and then he kills a pig and lets the blood soak in the cabin. He rips out some of his own hair and puts it in the blood. Then he drags the pig with rocks to the river to make it seem that he was killed and then dragged to the river. Huckleberry makes another diversion by dragging an opened sack of meal to the lake so that it looks as though the murder (ers) escaped that way. Huckleberry takes anything he can fit in his canoe and takes it with him. He makes his escape in the nick of time because he sees his Pap coming down the river just as Huckleberry is leaving.
This tells the reader that Huckleberry is imaginative, thinks things through, and can get himself out of sticky situations on his own. He has matured since the beginning of the book. Before, he looked up to Tom Sawyer for all the ideas about robbing, killing, and pretending; but now Huckleberry has shown that he can fend for himself and can make pretend things happen. The reader is more relieved to know that Huckleberry will be able to take care of himself on his own.
Why did Jim run away? Why does Jim say, "I's rich now"? In what ways are people rich?
Jim ran away because he overheard Miss. Watson saying that even though she didn't want to, she was going to sell Jim for $800.
Jim says that he's rich now because he owns himself because he is free. Because no one owns him now, it is as though he has the $800 that he is worth. Jim is overcome with the feeling of self-ownership.
People can be rich in many different ways. One can be rich in money, nice things, name-brand clothes, or jewelry. But those things are stereotypical of the meaning of being rich. Someone can be rich with happiness, lots of friends, a loving family, or peace. Gifts or talents can also make people rich like being rich with musical ability, a pretty face, artistic ability, good grades, or always winning a sports' event. Also, we all own ourselves now, although Jim didn't before he ran away. Owning yourself and your actions also makes you rich. Jim knew that no one should be able to take that richness away.
Why does Huckleberry stage his murder rather than simply running away? What repercussions could this choice have on those who care about him?
Huckleberry stages his murder rather than running way so that no one will go looking for him where he might actually go. Because he made it seem as though he was murdered and drowned by robbers/murderers, people will go looking for his drowned body in the river and not on Jackson's Island where Huckleberry plans to go. Huckleberry wants to make sure that he won't be followed.
Concerning those who care about him, Huckleberry could be causing them to worry unnecessarily. They will have to spend a lot of time looking for him and might have nightmares because of the blood and ripped out hair that Huckleberry left in the cabin. His Pap might get blamed for the murder and this would result in jail time and possibly execution but this is not as likely.
Before Huckleberry actually escaped, he had found a saw, and he used this to break away a board so that he could escape from the when Pap wasn't around. His chance to escape comes when Pap leaves with nine logs to sell in town. Huckleberry uses the saw to get out of the cabin, and then he kills a pig and lets the blood soak in the cabin. He rips out some of his own hair and puts it in the blood. Then he drags the pig with rocks to the river to make it seem that he was killed and then dragged to the river. Huckleberry makes another diversion by dragging an opened sack of meal to the lake so that it looks as though the murder (ers) escaped that way. Huckleberry takes anything he can fit in his canoe and takes it with him. He makes his escape in the nick of time because he sees his Pap coming down the river just as Huckleberry is leaving.
This tells the reader that Huckleberry is imaginative, thinks things through, and can get himself out of sticky situations on his own. He has matured since the beginning of the book. Before, he looked up to Tom Sawyer for all the ideas about robbing, killing, and pretending; but now Huckleberry has shown that he can fend for himself and can make pretend things happen. The reader is more relieved to know that Huckleberry will be able to take care of himself on his own.
Why did Jim run away? Why does Jim say, "I's rich now"? In what ways are people rich?
Jim ran away because he overheard Miss. Watson saying that even though she didn't want to, she was going to sell Jim for $800.
Jim says that he's rich now because he owns himself because he is free. Because no one owns him now, it is as though he has the $800 that he is worth. Jim is overcome with the feeling of self-ownership.
People can be rich in many different ways. One can be rich in money, nice things, name-brand clothes, or jewelry. But those things are stereotypical of the meaning of being rich. Someone can be rich with happiness, lots of friends, a loving family, or peace. Gifts or talents can also make people rich like being rich with musical ability, a pretty face, artistic ability, good grades, or always winning a sports' event. Also, we all own ourselves now, although Jim didn't before he ran away. Owning yourself and your actions also makes you rich. Jim knew that no one should be able to take that richness away.
Why does Huckleberry stage his murder rather than simply running away? What repercussions could this choice have on those who care about him?
Huckleberry stages his murder rather than running way so that no one will go looking for him where he might actually go. Because he made it seem as though he was murdered and drowned by robbers/murderers, people will go looking for his drowned body in the river and not on Jackson's Island where Huckleberry plans to go. Huckleberry wants to make sure that he won't be followed.
Concerning those who care about him, Huckleberry could be causing them to worry unnecessarily. They will have to spend a lot of time looking for him and might have nightmares because of the blood and ripped out hair that Huckleberry left in the cabin. His Pap might get blamed for the murder and this would result in jail time and possibly execution but this is not as likely.
Chapters 9-11
Hypothesize why the reward for Pap is only $200 and the reward for Jim is $300 given that Pap is suspected as Huckleberry's killer.
The reward for Jim is $100 dollars more than the reward for Pap because Jim is worth much more. Jim is a slave whose work is valued and he was a very good slave. He is actually worth $800 and Pap isn't really worth anything to society besides getting him put away for murder. Jim is an able bodied man who can work hard and people in society (especially in the south) value slaves for their worth. In the South, losing a slave was like losing a huge part of your property. Also, if Jim is not found then other slaves will think that they can also escape like he did. This is why there needs to be a very high reward set for Jim.
Huckleberry and Jim are runaways seeking freedom. In what ways are there differences in their motivation to escape?
Jim and Huckleberry are both motivated to escape in very different ways. Jim is trying to escape a lifelong threat of being a slave for the rest of his life and never owning anything including himself. He doesn't want to be bought and sold for the rest of his life. Huckleberry, on the other hand, is trying to escape a temporary part of his life when people are telling him what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. He wants to be independent of society and live on his own with his own rules. He is motivated by the knowledge that back home with the Widow he will face major retribution for both her and Miss. Wilson. But with Pap, he will have to deal with possibly more severe punishments and a Pap who is constantly drunk. Jim is motivated by the hope that he will one day be free.
What is the significance of Chapter 11's title "They're after us!"?
The significance of this is that they (the lady's husband and a few others) are after Jim and Huckleberry very nearby, but in reality, they (people in general) have been after them from the beginning. What is odd about this Chapter's title is that really they are only after Jim and not Jim and Huckleberry. In fact, they have stopped searching for Huckleberry and at this point they are just after Jim (and Pap). Huckleberry should've just said that they are after you, Jim. the fact that he said that they were after both of them shows that Huckleberry might be second guessing his cover-up because he messed up with the lady when he let his cover almost slip.
The reward for Jim is $100 dollars more than the reward for Pap because Jim is worth much more. Jim is a slave whose work is valued and he was a very good slave. He is actually worth $800 and Pap isn't really worth anything to society besides getting him put away for murder. Jim is an able bodied man who can work hard and people in society (especially in the south) value slaves for their worth. In the South, losing a slave was like losing a huge part of your property. Also, if Jim is not found then other slaves will think that they can also escape like he did. This is why there needs to be a very high reward set for Jim.
Huckleberry and Jim are runaways seeking freedom. In what ways are there differences in their motivation to escape?
Jim and Huckleberry are both motivated to escape in very different ways. Jim is trying to escape a lifelong threat of being a slave for the rest of his life and never owning anything including himself. He doesn't want to be bought and sold for the rest of his life. Huckleberry, on the other hand, is trying to escape a temporary part of his life when people are telling him what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. He wants to be independent of society and live on his own with his own rules. He is motivated by the knowledge that back home with the Widow he will face major retribution for both her and Miss. Wilson. But with Pap, he will have to deal with possibly more severe punishments and a Pap who is constantly drunk. Jim is motivated by the hope that he will one day be free.
What is the significance of Chapter 11's title "They're after us!"?
The significance of this is that they (the lady's husband and a few others) are after Jim and Huckleberry very nearby, but in reality, they (people in general) have been after them from the beginning. What is odd about this Chapter's title is that really they are only after Jim and not Jim and Huckleberry. In fact, they have stopped searching for Huckleberry and at this point they are just after Jim (and Pap). Huckleberry should've just said that they are after you, Jim. the fact that he said that they were after both of them shows that Huckleberry might be second guessing his cover-up because he messed up with the lady when he let his cover almost slip.
Chapters 12-14
What does Huckleberry's insistence on boarding the wrecked steamboat tell us about Huck?
Huck is a true adventurer and he doesn't like to miss a chance at having an adventure. He still looks up to Tom Sawyer and thinks of what Tom would think of Huck for daring to board the boat. Although Huckleberry likes drifting along in the raft and having a lazy lifestyle, he can't resist an adventure. This tells us that he isn't easily frightened out of doing something different. Huckleberry is always looking for ways to make the most of his adventure with Jim.
Why does Huckleberry's stop and try to save the murderers, and how does this reflect on his character?
Huckleberry stops and tries to save the murderers because he is empathetic. The interesting part is that Huckleberry stops and thinks that he should try to save the murderers because he might end up as a murderer some day. This reflects that he hasn't really thought of what exactly he wants out of life and he doesn't seem to care if he becomes a murderer. His innocent and lazy outlook on life contrasts this thought that runs through his head. Basically he wants to save the murderers because they are still people and once had normal lives. They might’ve been like Huckleberry at one point.
What is the name of the steamboat? Why do you think that Twain might have given her that name?
The name of the steamboat is Walter Scott. A writer, Sir Walter Scott was criticized by Twain. Apparently Twain was hard on him and his writing, He saw him as a pathetic and an ungenuine writer. He named the sinking steamboat after her because it was a wreck in all sense of the word.
Huck is a true adventurer and he doesn't like to miss a chance at having an adventure. He still looks up to Tom Sawyer and thinks of what Tom would think of Huck for daring to board the boat. Although Huckleberry likes drifting along in the raft and having a lazy lifestyle, he can't resist an adventure. This tells us that he isn't easily frightened out of doing something different. Huckleberry is always looking for ways to make the most of his adventure with Jim.
Why does Huckleberry's stop and try to save the murderers, and how does this reflect on his character?
Huckleberry stops and tries to save the murderers because he is empathetic. The interesting part is that Huckleberry stops and thinks that he should try to save the murderers because he might end up as a murderer some day. This reflects that he hasn't really thought of what exactly he wants out of life and he doesn't seem to care if he becomes a murderer. His innocent and lazy outlook on life contrasts this thought that runs through his head. Basically he wants to save the murderers because they are still people and once had normal lives. They might’ve been like Huckleberry at one point.
What is the name of the steamboat? Why do you think that Twain might have given her that name?
The name of the steamboat is Walter Scott. A writer, Sir Walter Scott was criticized by Twain. Apparently Twain was hard on him and his writing, He saw him as a pathetic and an ungenuine writer. He named the sinking steamboat after her because it was a wreck in all sense of the word.
Chapters 15-16
How does Huck convince the men looking for runaway slaves not to search the raft?
Huckleberry can't bring himself to say that Jim is on the raft. He thanks the men for helping him and he tells them that his father is on the raft. He says that no one else would help him. The men become suspicious that Huck's "father" has smallpox. They give Huckleberry $40 to go to town and lie to the people there to get help from them.
Does the readers’ attitude toward Jim change as a result of his response to Huck's trick on him? How does his response make you think of Huckleberry's pranks?
The reader’s attitude towards Jim does change. I felt sorry for Jim because he openly expressed what he was feeling in his “dream”; when he thought that he had lost Huckleberry forever. He responded to Huck’s trick with repeating how downhearted he was to not have Huck with him and how overjoyed he was when Huck woke him up. He then said that the trash on the raft stood for the trash of a lie that Huck pulled on poor old Jim who cared for Huck so much. His response makes me think that Huck’s pranks are unnecessary and cruel towards Jim who cares for Huck. His tricks don’t show any respect to Jim or acknowledgment of Jim’s affection.
What does Huck do at the end of chapter 15 that was surprising in the historical social context of the book? Why is this a turning point for Huck and Jim's friendship?
Huck apologizes to Jim which is surprising considering the historical social context of the book. The southern people in this time period thought that is was socially unacceptable to lower oneself to the level of a slave. Huck did just that- he apologized to a runaway slave. This is most definitely a turning point in their relationship because it shows that they can be friends on a more understanding level. It demonstrates that from now on they will do anything to help the other even if it is hard.
Huckleberry can't bring himself to say that Jim is on the raft. He thanks the men for helping him and he tells them that his father is on the raft. He says that no one else would help him. The men become suspicious that Huck's "father" has smallpox. They give Huckleberry $40 to go to town and lie to the people there to get help from them.
Does the readers’ attitude toward Jim change as a result of his response to Huck's trick on him? How does his response make you think of Huckleberry's pranks?
The reader’s attitude towards Jim does change. I felt sorry for Jim because he openly expressed what he was feeling in his “dream”; when he thought that he had lost Huckleberry forever. He responded to Huck’s trick with repeating how downhearted he was to not have Huck with him and how overjoyed he was when Huck woke him up. He then said that the trash on the raft stood for the trash of a lie that Huck pulled on poor old Jim who cared for Huck so much. His response makes me think that Huck’s pranks are unnecessary and cruel towards Jim who cares for Huck. His tricks don’t show any respect to Jim or acknowledgment of Jim’s affection.
What does Huck do at the end of chapter 15 that was surprising in the historical social context of the book? Why is this a turning point for Huck and Jim's friendship?
Huck apologizes to Jim which is surprising considering the historical social context of the book. The southern people in this time period thought that is was socially unacceptable to lower oneself to the level of a slave. Huck did just that- he apologized to a runaway slave. This is most definitely a turning point in their relationship because it shows that they can be friends on a more understanding level. It demonstrates that from now on they will do anything to help the other even if it is hard.
Chapters 17-18
Why does Huck feel responsible for the carnage following Sophia's elopement?
Huck feels responsible for the deaths of both members of the Grangerford family and of the Shepherdson’s family. When he discovered a secret note reading "2:00" he kept silent. This note to Sophia was delivered by Huck in a bible. It the time that she was going to runaway and elope. Huck feels responsible because he said nothing to anyone.
At the end of Chapter 18, Huck says, "You feel mighty free and easy and comfortable on a raft." How would you compare life on shore and life on the raft so far?
So far Huck has enjoyed lazy floats other raft with Jim and it symbolizes freedom and escape from his former life. Huck is completely free and self reliant on the raft which contrasts to life on shore. On shore he is forced to lie about his identity and he has to always be aware that someone else on shore can have control over him. Huck’s character explains why he would say that life on a raft is easy and comfortable because his life on shore has been based on lies and uncomfortable.
After Huck forgets his name, how does he trick Buck into revealing it?
Huck says that he bets that Buck can't spell his name. Buck says he can, and then he does. (It isn't spelled perfectly.) Huck is glad that he knows how to spell it in case someone asks him to rattle off the spelling to his name. So now Huck knows his "name" from asking Buck to spell it.
Huck feels responsible for the deaths of both members of the Grangerford family and of the Shepherdson’s family. When he discovered a secret note reading "2:00" he kept silent. This note to Sophia was delivered by Huck in a bible. It the time that she was going to runaway and elope. Huck feels responsible because he said nothing to anyone.
At the end of Chapter 18, Huck says, "You feel mighty free and easy and comfortable on a raft." How would you compare life on shore and life on the raft so far?
So far Huck has enjoyed lazy floats other raft with Jim and it symbolizes freedom and escape from his former life. Huck is completely free and self reliant on the raft which contrasts to life on shore. On shore he is forced to lie about his identity and he has to always be aware that someone else on shore can have control over him. Huck’s character explains why he would say that life on a raft is easy and comfortable because his life on shore has been based on lies and uncomfortable.
After Huck forgets his name, how does he trick Buck into revealing it?
Huck says that he bets that Buck can't spell his name. Buck says he can, and then he does. (It isn't spelled perfectly.) Huck is glad that he knows how to spell it in case someone asks him to rattle off the spelling to his name. So now Huck knows his "name" from asking Buck to spell it.
Chapters 19-20
How do Huck and Jim dress on the raft? Why do you think clothes might be associated with in this novel?
Huck and Jim do not wear any clothes on the raft. In this novel, clothes seem to represent common restrictions that both Huck and Jim are trying to escape from. Huck has never liked the idea of tight clothes. He prefers loose or dirty clothes that he feels comfortable and FREE in. Jim too is on the journey for freedom and clothes are just one more thing that represents a lack of freedom to him.
Huck knows the duke and king are frauds from the beginning. Why does he pretend that he thinks they are the real thing?
Huck knows that it is doing no harm to anyone by not letting on that the duke and king are frauds. Huck doesn't want to cause trouble either. He wants to keep the peace in the family. The best way to do that is to let the king and duke have it their way. He doesn't bother Jim with it either because it wouldn't be productive in anyway.
How does Twain use weather to emphasize the mood and rising action of a conflict?
Huck could see that it was about to begin raining and he could see the heat-lightening low in the sky. the leaves were beginning to shiver. During the storm, the wind screamed and the thunder was ceaseless. This is symbolic of the rising action of a conflict. The duke and king's scams might work out at first but they are bound to end up disastrously.
Huck and Jim do not wear any clothes on the raft. In this novel, clothes seem to represent common restrictions that both Huck and Jim are trying to escape from. Huck has never liked the idea of tight clothes. He prefers loose or dirty clothes that he feels comfortable and FREE in. Jim too is on the journey for freedom and clothes are just one more thing that represents a lack of freedom to him.
Huck knows the duke and king are frauds from the beginning. Why does he pretend that he thinks they are the real thing?
Huck knows that it is doing no harm to anyone by not letting on that the duke and king are frauds. Huck doesn't want to cause trouble either. He wants to keep the peace in the family. The best way to do that is to let the king and duke have it their way. He doesn't bother Jim with it either because it wouldn't be productive in anyway.
How does Twain use weather to emphasize the mood and rising action of a conflict?
Huck could see that it was about to begin raining and he could see the heat-lightening low in the sky. the leaves were beginning to shiver. During the storm, the wind screamed and the thunder was ceaseless. This is symbolic of the rising action of a conflict. The duke and king's scams might work out at first but they are bound to end up disastrously.
Chapters 21-24
Why do you think that Twain includes a description of the circus here? How would you compare the circus to the entertainment provided by the duke and king?
Twain includes the description of the circus to parallel the ridiculous performances of the royalty. The circus is somewhat more real because the people are trained. But even the circus shows some amateur bits. . This is a good comparison to the terrible performances given by the royalty.
How do the duke and king entice people to see "Royal Nonesuch"? What do you think Twain is implying about human nature with this?
The duke and the king make pamphlet that advertised and flourished their "talents". What got the most people to come is a phrase that they published on the bottom of these. It read "Women and children not admitted". This shows human nature to want to see something that would not be appropriate for the general public. Twain uses this to show human nature and how it isn’t good.
What is Sherburn's attitude toward the men trying to lynch him? What do you thinks Twain's attitude is?
Sherburn thinks that the men trying to lynch him will wimp out. He thinks that if he makes a strong willed speech, that the men will chick out. Twain's attitude is that the men aren't serious about anything. He thinks that the men are sissies. Both Sherburn and Twain think that the men aren't strong enough.
Twain includes the description of the circus to parallel the ridiculous performances of the royalty. The circus is somewhat more real because the people are trained. But even the circus shows some amateur bits. . This is a good comparison to the terrible performances given by the royalty.
How do the duke and king entice people to see "Royal Nonesuch"? What do you think Twain is implying about human nature with this?
The duke and the king make pamphlet that advertised and flourished their "talents". What got the most people to come is a phrase that they published on the bottom of these. It read "Women and children not admitted". This shows human nature to want to see something that would not be appropriate for the general public. Twain uses this to show human nature and how it isn’t good.
What is Sherburn's attitude toward the men trying to lynch him? What do you thinks Twain's attitude is?
Sherburn thinks that the men trying to lynch him will wimp out. He thinks that if he makes a strong willed speech, that the men will chick out. Twain's attitude is that the men aren't serious about anything. He thinks that the men are sissies. Both Sherburn and Twain think that the men aren't strong enough.
Chapters 25-28
What makes the Wilks girls saddest about having their property sold?
The Wilks girls are saddest that their slaves are going to be sold. They all cried and cried and were very upset about the slaves leaving and the family being separated. They said that they had never dreamt that that would happen. The king is trying to sell off all the property in order to make the most profit. The girls didn't realize that he was going to sell their slaves and this comes as a shock to them.
Why does Huck want Mary Jane to leave the house after he tells her the truth?
Huck wants to tell her the truth, form the moment that she stood up for him, but he thinks that it would be unwise. This is because if she knew the truth, her face would show it. He eventually does tell her the truth and he tells her to leave. He doesn’t want the king and duke to become suspicious and make out with the money right away.
How is Huck's increasing maturity shown in these chapters?
For the first time in a while, Huck tells the truth. He tells Mary Jane everything without further hesitation. This shows his increasing maturity. His life was constantly thinking on the spot to save his own skin. He always needed to think of lies quickly. Now, he is maturing and beginning to understand that telling the truth is so much easier than lying.
The Wilks girls are saddest that their slaves are going to be sold. They all cried and cried and were very upset about the slaves leaving and the family being separated. They said that they had never dreamt that that would happen. The king is trying to sell off all the property in order to make the most profit. The girls didn't realize that he was going to sell their slaves and this comes as a shock to them.
Why does Huck want Mary Jane to leave the house after he tells her the truth?
Huck wants to tell her the truth, form the moment that she stood up for him, but he thinks that it would be unwise. This is because if she knew the truth, her face would show it. He eventually does tell her the truth and he tells her to leave. He doesn’t want the king and duke to become suspicious and make out with the money right away.
How is Huck's increasing maturity shown in these chapters?
For the first time in a while, Huck tells the truth. He tells Mary Jane everything without further hesitation. This shows his increasing maturity. His life was constantly thinking on the spot to save his own skin. He always needed to think of lies quickly. Now, he is maturing and beginning to understand that telling the truth is so much easier than lying.
Chapters 29-31
Why does Huck decide to "go to hell"?
He decides to go to hell because he wants to save Jim. Because he thinks that saving Jim would be a very bad thing to do but he wants to do it anyways, he decides to just go to hell. Saving Jim is more important to Huck at this point. He is willing to do anything to save him.
What darkly comic elements does Twain use in chapter 29?
Twain uses the element of surprise on the king and duke which nearly foils all their plans. Actually, he uses this twice and it eventually does ruin much for the king and duke. The real Wilks show up and surprise the king and the duke. They play it cool: the king seems to pity the "frauds" and the duke laughs at them. Also, the money is found on the reopened body of Peter Wilks which allows the king, duke, and Huck to escape. It is comical that they didn't even get to keep the money that they wanted so badly.
What does Huck's easy escape from Hines say about Hines' character?
Huck was easily able to escape from Hines because Hines let him go when he raised his hands at the moment that the money was discovered inside the reopened coffin. Hines busts his way in to get a closer look like everyone else in the crowd which allows Huck an even easier escape route. This shows irresponsibility in a way. Mostly it shows the greed of every man to distract him/her from his/her duty. It is animal nature to be greedy and have greed/self interest as a first priority.
He decides to go to hell because he wants to save Jim. Because he thinks that saving Jim would be a very bad thing to do but he wants to do it anyways, he decides to just go to hell. Saving Jim is more important to Huck at this point. He is willing to do anything to save him.
What darkly comic elements does Twain use in chapter 29?
Twain uses the element of surprise on the king and duke which nearly foils all their plans. Actually, he uses this twice and it eventually does ruin much for the king and duke. The real Wilks show up and surprise the king and the duke. They play it cool: the king seems to pity the "frauds" and the duke laughs at them. Also, the money is found on the reopened body of Peter Wilks which allows the king, duke, and Huck to escape. It is comical that they didn't even get to keep the money that they wanted so badly.
What does Huck's easy escape from Hines say about Hines' character?
Huck was easily able to escape from Hines because Hines let him go when he raised his hands at the moment that the money was discovered inside the reopened coffin. Hines busts his way in to get a closer look like everyone else in the crowd which allows Huck an even easier escape route. This shows irresponsibility in a way. Mostly it shows the greed of every man to distract him/her from his/her duty. It is animal nature to be greedy and have greed/self interest as a first priority.
Chapters 32-34
How does the setting contribute to the mood at the beginning of chapter 32?
The setting was quiet except for the quivering of the leaves which sounded like spirits whispering. The mood was mournful and made one want to die. In Huckleberry's case it made him want to be done with what he was about to do. Huck felt very lonesome because all the hands had gone out to the field. The setting made Huckleberry feel as though he was always being watched.
Why is the title "The Pitiful Ending of Royalty" significant to chapter 33?
On the road, tom and Huck saw the king and the duke tar and feathered strapped to a rail. Huck felt sorry for them. The town obviously had gotten word that they were frauds or they had tricked the town again. the title "The pitiful Ending of Royalty" refers to Huck pitying the duke and king who are "royalty". Huck concludes that humans can be very cruel to one another.
How does Twain add complication to the plot by having the boys accept Tom's plan rather than Huck's?
Huck's plan is simple and effective while Tom's plan is fifteen times more stylish than Huck’s. Tom's plan might even allow the boys to get killed. Complication is imminent because Huck knows that Tom is going to add even more changes as they go along. Tom's plan isn’t going to stay the same for long.
The setting was quiet except for the quivering of the leaves which sounded like spirits whispering. The mood was mournful and made one want to die. In Huckleberry's case it made him want to be done with what he was about to do. Huck felt very lonesome because all the hands had gone out to the field. The setting made Huckleberry feel as though he was always being watched.
Why is the title "The Pitiful Ending of Royalty" significant to chapter 33?
On the road, tom and Huck saw the king and the duke tar and feathered strapped to a rail. Huck felt sorry for them. The town obviously had gotten word that they were frauds or they had tricked the town again. the title "The pitiful Ending of Royalty" refers to Huck pitying the duke and king who are "royalty". Huck concludes that humans can be very cruel to one another.
How does Twain add complication to the plot by having the boys accept Tom's plan rather than Huck's?
Huck's plan is simple and effective while Tom's plan is fifteen times more stylish than Huck’s. Tom's plan might even allow the boys to get killed. Complication is imminent because Huck knows that Tom is going to add even more changes as they go along. Tom's plan isn’t going to stay the same for long.
Chapters 35-38
Compare and contrast the character Nat to Jim.
Nat is obedient and is not free or trying to get free. Jim is trying to escape, but obeys Huck and Tom. Jim is trying to become free in order to buy back his family. Both Nat and Jim are very superstitious, but Nat is more so towards witches. Jim emphasizes bad versus good luck. Jim is brighter than Nat. Jim catches on that he isn't supposed to know Tom and Huck when they first enter the cabin and he plays along with the idea that it was the witches and not Jim that greeted Tom and Huck by name. Nat is very gullible and is tricked to believe that he heard witches.
What situations does Twain use to create a light-hearted mood in chapter 37?
Twain uses the missing spoon, shirt, six candles, a sheet, and a brass candlestick to create a light-hearted mood. Aunt Sally's frustration ironically creates a light-hearted mood because Huck, Tom, and the reader all know where the missing things are. Huck continues to confuse Aunt Sally by putting the missing spoon back and taking it away again so that Aunt Sally will never count the same number of spoons twice in a row. He does this with the sheets as well. The reader can laugh and marvel at the cleverness of Huck’s trick.
Explain Jim's willingness to go along with Tom's foolishness.
Jim assumes that Tom knows what is best for Jim. This is why he goes along with Tom’s ideas. He has been brought up and the time period teaches blacks that whites know better than them. Even though it is actually not true, Jim is used to doing what a white person tells him to do even though he might not understand why. He assumes that they are smarter than him and they know best.
Nat is obedient and is not free or trying to get free. Jim is trying to escape, but obeys Huck and Tom. Jim is trying to become free in order to buy back his family. Both Nat and Jim are very superstitious, but Nat is more so towards witches. Jim emphasizes bad versus good luck. Jim is brighter than Nat. Jim catches on that he isn't supposed to know Tom and Huck when they first enter the cabin and he plays along with the idea that it was the witches and not Jim that greeted Tom and Huck by name. Nat is very gullible and is tricked to believe that he heard witches.
What situations does Twain use to create a light-hearted mood in chapter 37?
Twain uses the missing spoon, shirt, six candles, a sheet, and a brass candlestick to create a light-hearted mood. Aunt Sally's frustration ironically creates a light-hearted mood because Huck, Tom, and the reader all know where the missing things are. Huck continues to confuse Aunt Sally by putting the missing spoon back and taking it away again so that Aunt Sally will never count the same number of spoons twice in a row. He does this with the sheets as well. The reader can laugh and marvel at the cleverness of Huck’s trick.
Explain Jim's willingness to go along with Tom's foolishness.
Jim assumes that Tom knows what is best for Jim. This is why he goes along with Tom’s ideas. He has been brought up and the time period teaches blacks that whites know better than them. Even though it is actually not true, Jim is used to doing what a white person tells him to do even though he might not understand why. He assumes that they are smarter than him and they know best.
Chapters 39-40
Explain the verbal irony in Huck's statement: "We was glad as we could be, but Tom was the gladdest of all because he had a bullet in the calf of his leg."
It is ironic that Tom would be the gladdest because he should be in a lot of pain from the bullet in his leg. If tom was more "normal" then he would have been gladder if he had escaped uninjured. But tom's character is of adventure, excitement, and danger. He thinks that it is fantastic that he has a bullet in his leg. The verbal irony is that it shouldn't be that Tom is the gladdest but he is. Huckleberry and Jim are not glad that he has a bullet in his calf.
What effect has the last warning letter had on the Phelpses?
The last letter put the Phelpses and almost the entire town on edge waiting for something to happen. Many farmers are gathered in the front room in the Phelpses house with guns. They are strategizing when to go to the cabin. Before this event though, the Phelpses had been extremely on edge. The family seemed to think that their house was haunted. Everyday activities had been spooky for them. This last letter hit the nerve. The Phelpses had obviously asked for the help of the entire town because they were so worried.
How does Twain begin to build the climax of Jim's escape plan by using the element of ususpense in chapter 39?
The farmers gathered in the front room create much suspense for both the reader and Huck. It worried Huck very much. All he wanted to do was to warn Tom. It is kind of ironic that Huck would be sweating butter. He was having a "melt-down"! This scene precedes the action of Jim's escape by creating a lot of suspense.
It is ironic that Tom would be the gladdest because he should be in a lot of pain from the bullet in his leg. If tom was more "normal" then he would have been gladder if he had escaped uninjured. But tom's character is of adventure, excitement, and danger. He thinks that it is fantastic that he has a bullet in his leg. The verbal irony is that it shouldn't be that Tom is the gladdest but he is. Huckleberry and Jim are not glad that he has a bullet in his calf.
What effect has the last warning letter had on the Phelpses?
The last letter put the Phelpses and almost the entire town on edge waiting for something to happen. Many farmers are gathered in the front room in the Phelpses house with guns. They are strategizing when to go to the cabin. Before this event though, the Phelpses had been extremely on edge. The family seemed to think that their house was haunted. Everyday activities had been spooky for them. This last letter hit the nerve. The Phelpses had obviously asked for the help of the entire town because they were so worried.
How does Twain begin to build the climax of Jim's escape plan by using the element of ususpense in chapter 39?
The farmers gathered in the front room create much suspense for both the reader and Huck. It worried Huck very much. All he wanted to do was to warn Tom. It is kind of ironic that Huck would be sweating butter. He was having a "melt-down"! This scene precedes the action of Jim's escape by creating a lot of suspense.
Chapters 41-43
In chapter 42, how does Twain explain Tom's earlier willingness to aid in Jim's escape?
From the beginning, Tom had known that Jim had been freed in Miss. Watson's will when she dies. He knew that he was technically free. Twain explains that Tom wanted the adventure and danger of trying to steal a slave. He had a whole post-escape plan worked out where they would have adventure and then Jim would find out he was free. He would return on the steamboat and all the slaves in the area would gather to see him and cheer him on, all three of them would be embraced as heroes.
Why did Jim keep the dead man's identity a secret from Huck?
The dead man was Huck's father and Jim kept this a secret from him. He didn't want Huck to see his father dead like that. He was worried that Huck would be scarred with that image for the rest of his life. Also, Jim is very kind and his kind nature wanted to shield Huck from the grotesqueness. Maybe Jim wanted to make sure that Huck wouldn't return for his money and leave Jim by himself- or worse, turn Jim in for running away. I think that it is much more likely that Jim simply wanted to shield Huck from the sight of his dead father,
What is Twain's purpose in revealing in this last chapter that Jim has been a free man through almost the entire time span of the novel?
The reader is solaced by the thought that even if he had been captured earlier, Jim would have been free. It makes the reader happy to think of the great friendship made between Jim and Huck. I think that the adventure was definitely worth it. Twain makes sure that the reader is happy with the ending. Because of his great writing, the reader doesn't regret taking the time to read the book.
From the beginning, Tom had known that Jim had been freed in Miss. Watson's will when she dies. He knew that he was technically free. Twain explains that Tom wanted the adventure and danger of trying to steal a slave. He had a whole post-escape plan worked out where they would have adventure and then Jim would find out he was free. He would return on the steamboat and all the slaves in the area would gather to see him and cheer him on, all three of them would be embraced as heroes.
Why did Jim keep the dead man's identity a secret from Huck?
The dead man was Huck's father and Jim kept this a secret from him. He didn't want Huck to see his father dead like that. He was worried that Huck would be scarred with that image for the rest of his life. Also, Jim is very kind and his kind nature wanted to shield Huck from the grotesqueness. Maybe Jim wanted to make sure that Huck wouldn't return for his money and leave Jim by himself- or worse, turn Jim in for running away. I think that it is much more likely that Jim simply wanted to shield Huck from the sight of his dead father,
What is Twain's purpose in revealing in this last chapter that Jim has been a free man through almost the entire time span of the novel?
The reader is solaced by the thought that even if he had been captured earlier, Jim would have been free. It makes the reader happy to think of the great friendship made between Jim and Huck. I think that the adventure was definitely worth it. Twain makes sure that the reader is happy with the ending. Because of his great writing, the reader doesn't regret taking the time to read the book.