Monday

Okay so today we need to review what you wrote for Episode 7 and begin reading chapter 24.

Your classwork for this week will be to read through chapter 31 and answer the study questions below:



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.

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 (you'll recall that he remained morally neutral concerning the prior schemes of the duke and king)?

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

4. Why is it significant that Joanna eats in the kitchen? What is the significance of her nickname? What themes are revealed?

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

6. Previously Huck has refused to hinder the antics of the king and duke. Now he attempts to foil their scheme. Why? What theme(s) from the novel can you apply to Huck's change in attitude?




Huck 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 justified?

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.

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

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

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

6. How does Huck feel about Mary Jane? Why does Huck tell her to go away? Significance?

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."

8. What does the doctor represent?

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 as villains? Explain.