English (Prince Of Whales) XXI - XXXV

Donovan Henson

Huck Discussion Questions XXI - XXIII

2.) Why does Huck observe but does not participate in the schemes of the duke and king?

Because Huck however still has morals, and only “lifts” when he needs to. The duke and king however are just greedy looking to do it for a type of buzz, rather than to stay alive.

3.) Through the Grangerford episode, Twain was able to criticize the myth of Southern honor. What myth of Southern life does Twain satirize in the Sherburn / Boggs incident (which, by the way, was based on a true incident)? What aspect of human nature does Twain satirize through the scene in the drugstore?

Southern Gentlemanship. He is insulting it because the people still are in support of slavery but however think that they are gentlemen, regardless of the obvious cruelty towards humanity. He insults gullibility because one man, believed to be honorable, who murders a drunken man, stops his own lynching by telling a large group of people that they are cowards.

4.) Compare the circus with the entertainment supplied by the duke and king

The circus brings on a large audience, and is done by professionals. Whereas the duke and king are not professional, but their lack of understanding of the plays is equally comedic to that of the circus.

5..) What does Huck’s reaction to the circus incident tell us about him? Whom does he think was most deceived?
It shows that he is somewhat gullible and he believes that the ringmaster was not in on the joke.

6.) What is Twain implying about human nature through the advertising for the “Royal Nunsuch”?

Twain is implying that simply because people are told that something is not suitable for certain people, people who are allowed will be more drawn to see it if they are told not to.

7.) “What was the use to tell Jim these warn’t real kings and dukes? It would’t a done no good; and besides, it was just as I said; you couldn’t tell them from the real king.” What does Twain imply?

Twain implies that dukes and kings, now matter how they are treated, are still like everyone else but just treated in different ways.

8.) What is significant about the story of ‘Lizabeth?

Twain uses Jim’s emotions to show, that although Jim is a slave, he still has feelings and is capable of the same human emotions that whites are.

Huck Discussion Questions XXIV – XXVII

1.) As we have discussed, clothes can play a symbolic or thematic role in the novel. Huck even says that he “never knowed how clothes could change a body before. “ Discuss the thematic role of clothes in these chapters.

Huck feels changed, because not wearing clothing in the book, is supposed to represent the major theme of freedom. On the raft, Jim, away from society, as well as a life Huck would not want to live, represents the freedom the two find together.

2.) Comment on the last paragraph of Chapter XXIV.

Make a connection to Twain’s description of the Arkansas town.

Why is Huck’s response to the Peter Wilks incident so strong?

Why does Huck make moral evaluations now?

Huck is now developing morals that were much less prevalent at the beginning of the story.

3.) What qualities do the Wilks Girls have that allow them to be fooled so easily?

They are gullible because they hope that someone will come to save them, but being fooled by the king and the duke that they are related to them.

4.) Why is it significant that Joanna eats in the kitchen?

She, along with Jim, a black man, both eat afterwards.

What is the significance off her nickname?

Hare-Lip, because she has a cleft palate.

What themes are revealed?

Treatment of citizens of society solely because of the differences they have. The same way slaves are treated differently on account of their looks.

5.) What statement about the behavior of people does Twain make through the Dr. Robinson incident?

That they will do anything to fit in regardless of moral wrongness.

6.) Previously Huck has refused to hinder the antics of the king and duke. Now he attempts to foil their scheme. Why?

What themes from the novel can you apply to Huck’s change in attitude.

        Huck Feels that they have gone too far taking advantage of the Wilk’s girls this time, and decides that he has had enough.

Huck Discussion Questions – XXVIII – XXX

1.) Twain was heavily criticized for bad taste due to his description of the funeral toward the end of chapter XXVII. Why do you think he was criticized, and do you think the criticism is justified.

Because the undertaker is someone who is looked up to in the chapter, and not often admired at the time. No, I don’t think it was justified because he is writing a story.

2.) On page 141 Huck says, “…here’s a case where I’m blest if it don’t look to me like the truth is better, and actuly safer, than a lie.” Explain

Huck tells the truth to Mary Jane to prevent her from being lied to anymore.

3.) In these three chapters Huck finds himself having to lie for various reasons. How do his motives differ?

He now lies to do what he thinks is protecting the people

4.) Why doesn’t Twain involve Jim more in these chapters?

He is disguised as a blue arab. He wants to show that the real cruelness from society originates from the whites at the time.

5.) Does Huck’s escape from Hines say anything about Hines’ character?

It represents the theme of greed as everyone forgets about what is currently happening simply because a treasure chest is found shortly after

6.) How does Huck feel about Mary Jane?

Why does Huck tell her to go away?

Significance

He trusts her and tells her to run away while he thinks of something. Huck again attaches himself to someone who is not seen as a friend by society

7.) Discuss the significance of Huck’s statement, “…anybody but a lot of prejudiced chuckleheads would a seen that the old gentlemen was spinning truth and t’other one lies.”

The family is romanticized and willing to believe anyone who fits the description of their uncles is able to take their place.

8.) What does the doctor represent?

Realism, he questions the duke and king as well as their motives.

9.) By the end of chapter XXX, do you think Twain vindicates the characters of the duke and king or does he have them remain villains.? Explain

He has them remain villains as Huck does not support the lifestyle they chose to lead.

Huck Discussion Questions XXXI – XXXV

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

Yes, because Huck chooses to live a life that will send him to hell.

2.) Huck says, “Alll right, then, I’ll go to hell.” Explain the irony in that statement

Huck, although doing something he believes is wrong because of society, he is actually doing the right thing.

3.) Discuss the symbolism of the imagery at the beginning of chapter 32.

It represents the theme of home on a farm where Huck once lived.

4.) Discuss Huck’s understanding of Providence (bottom of 165)? Would Miss Watson agree?

No, because Huck forgets that he is able to be forgiven by god.

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

Learning that only a black person has died, no one really cares because blacks are only property.

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?

Theme of Reality

Tom Sawyer somehow is encountered by Huck Finn

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

Huck wants his friend back, but Tom however is just seeking adventure.

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” (174). Comment. What does this reveal about Huck’s character? How does Huck’s reaction to the demise of the duke and king relate to Twain’s essay “The Damned Human Race”?

Huck, knowing the duke and king had indeed done wrong, still feels sorry for them.

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

Tom has never actually stolen something without leaving something that replaces the stolen thing.

10.) Why does Huck let Tom take control.

Because he is more confident in situations in Tom than in himself.