Chapters 1-3
Which character appears to be presented in a more favorable light, Widow Douglas or Miss Watson? Why do you think so?
I think that Widow Douglas is shown in better light then Miss Watson. I think this because we are shown from the very beginning that Huck does not like Miss Watson because they are fighting. Also the Widow is nice to Huck so she is more favorable.
Does Huck fear going to hell? Why or why not?
I do not think that he fears going to hell at all. This is because he said he wanted to go where Tom Sawyer is going which, according to Miss Watson, he is going to hell. Also he says that he would rather go to the bad place then go no where at all.
What do the "robbers" think ransoming is and what are some objections to it?
The "robbers" think that ransoming is capturing a person and then holding him up in a cave until he dies then sell his body. Some objections were that they would have to watch over him all the time to make sure that he wouldn't escape, and also that they would have to feed him and take care of him.
I think that Widow Douglas is shown in better light then Miss Watson. I think this because we are shown from the very beginning that Huck does not like Miss Watson because they are fighting. Also the Widow is nice to Huck so she is more favorable.
Does Huck fear going to hell? Why or why not?
I do not think that he fears going to hell at all. This is because he said he wanted to go where Tom Sawyer is going which, according to Miss Watson, he is going to hell. Also he says that he would rather go to the bad place then go no where at all.
What do the "robbers" think ransoming is and what are some objections to it?
The "robbers" think that ransoming is capturing a person and then holding him up in a cave until he dies then sell his body. Some objections were that they would have to watch over him all the time to make sure that he wouldn't escape, and also that they would have to feed him and take care of him.
Chapter 4-6
How does Huck like life with his father? Why does he decide to run away?
Huck is ok with his life at first because he never got to really know his father before he disappeared for the first time. However after a few weeks of getting beat and abused all the time he wants to spit his father. He goes to school to do just that. He decides to run away because he learns that his father is actually a monster and he does not want to be around a "mad man".
Huck is ok with his life at first because he never got to really know his father before he disappeared for the first time. However after a few weeks of getting beat and abused all the time he wants to spit his father. He goes to school to do just that. He decides to run away because he learns that his father is actually a monster and he does not want to be around a "mad man".
How does the physical description of Huck's father in chapter 5 also serve to describe his character?
Huck's father is described as a unkept old man. He is said to have long greasy hair and skin as pale as a ghost. The word that comes to mind when thinking of Pap is slimy. He came back when he found out that is son was now rich, he didn't do anything to be there for Huck until he could get something out of it. He say that he would become a reformed man when really he always went back to his drunken ways. He held Huck hostage to get him away from a stable home and life for his benefit. Also he is ok with getting the money but losing Huck.
Huck's father is described as a unkept old man. He is said to have long greasy hair and skin as pale as a ghost. The word that comes to mind when thinking of Pap is slimy. He came back when he found out that is son was now rich, he didn't do anything to be there for Huck until he could get something out of it. He say that he would become a reformed man when really he always went back to his drunken ways. He held Huck hostage to get him away from a stable home and life for his benefit. Also he is ok with getting the money but losing Huck.
What is a hairball? What does this tell us about slave culture?
A hairball is something that comes out of the stomach of an ox. It belonged to Jim, Miss Watson's slave. The ball was a good example of the many superstitious things that slaves did. They believed in the magic of the world. The hairball also showed how much they relied on oddities of the world instead of fact. They were uneducated and did not know any different. They saw their parents do it, so they have to also. This showed how many traditions were passed down.
A hairball is something that comes out of the stomach of an ox. It belonged to Jim, Miss Watson's slave. The ball was a good example of the many superstitious things that slaves did. They believed in the magic of the world. The hairball also showed how much they relied on oddities of the world instead of fact. They were uneducated and did not know any different. They saw their parents do it, so they have to also. This showed how many traditions were passed down.
Chapters 7-8
How does Huck escape the cabin? What does this tell the reader about Huck?
Huck escapes the cabin by sawing his was out. He also fakes is own murder so that he can escape Pap and Widow Douglas all together. This tells us as readers that he is very smart and extremely clever.
Huck escapes the cabin by sawing his was out. He also fakes is own murder so that he can escape Pap and Widow Douglas all together. This tells us as readers that he is very smart and extremely clever.
Why did Jim run away?
Jim ran away from Miss Watson because he was sold to someone for $800. Jim felt that he was not worth $800 and would rather be "rich" in his freedom so he ran away.
Jim ran away from Miss Watson because he was sold to someone for $800. Jim felt that he was not worth $800 and would rather be "rich" in his freedom so he ran away.
Why does Huck stage his own murder rather than simply running away? What repercussions could this choice have on those who care about him?
He stages his own murder because then he can go away without anyone trying to look for him, he could escape and never be found. If he had just run away people would be out looking for him and there would probably be a prize if he was returned and that would cause a lot more people to be after him alive, rather then a few looking for his dead body. The repercussions for this could be big because he has lost any relationship that he had with his father and he might possibly get him in trouble for "killing" Huck. Then if was to ever return he would have to answer to a lot of people, and some might not believe that he was alive, they might think he is a fake.
He stages his own murder because then he can go away without anyone trying to look for him, he could escape and never be found. If he had just run away people would be out looking for him and there would probably be a prize if he was returned and that would cause a lot more people to be after him alive, rather then a few looking for his dead body. The repercussions for this could be big because he has lost any relationship that he had with his father and he might possibly get him in trouble for "killing" Huck. Then if was to ever return he would have to answer to a lot of people, and some might not believe that he was alive, they might think he is a fake.
Chapters 9-11
Hypothesize why the reward for Pap is only $200 and the reward for Jim is $300 given Pap is suspected as Huck's killer.
I think that the reward is lower because Jim is more valuable to society then Pap. Jim is a slave and can be sold to work in the fields and can work for a long time. Pap on the other hand is an older man and is a murder but if caught will simply be placed in jail to die which benefits no one. They do want a suspected murder caught but not as much as an able bodied slave.
I think that the reward is lower because Jim is more valuable to society then Pap. Jim is a slave and can be sold to work in the fields and can work for a long time. Pap on the other hand is an older man and is a murder but if caught will simply be placed in jail to die which benefits no one. They do want a suspected murder caught but not as much as an able bodied slave.
What is the significance of Chapter 11's title "They're after us?"
They are escaping so people are actually after them. Also now people have incentive to find Jim because of the reward that they will get if they find him . Some people believe that it was Jim who murdered Huck and want him to come to justice so the man hunt is on.
They are escaping so people are actually after them. Also now people have incentive to find Jim because of the reward that they will get if they find him . Some people believe that it was Jim who murdered Huck and want him to come to justice so the man hunt is on.
How did Huck feel about finding the dead body in the boat house?
Huck was pretty shaken up about finding it. Jim tried to help Huck out by telling him not to look at the ghastly face of the body but it was still disturbing for both Huck and Jim.
Huck was pretty shaken up about finding it. Jim tried to help Huck out by telling him not to look at the ghastly face of the body but it was still disturbing for both Huck and Jim.
Chapters 12-14
What does Huck's insistence on boarding the wrecked steamboat tell us about Huck?
It renforces some of the ideas already presented in the book, that huck loves adventure. Also it shows how he really wants to be like Tom Sawyer and how Tom would have never went past an adventure so Huck shouldn't either.
It renforces some of the ideas already presented in the book, that huck loves adventure. Also it shows how he really wants to be like Tom Sawyer and how Tom would have never went past an adventure so Huck shouldn't either.
What is the name of the steamboat? Why do you think Twain might have given her that name?
The steamboat is named the Walter Scott. I think that Twain named it because he wanted to acknowledge the author Walter Scott who lived just before Twain.
The steamboat is named the Walter Scott. I think that Twain named it because he wanted to acknowledge the author Walter Scott who lived just before Twain.
Explain the pun in the last sentence of chapter 13:"By the time I got there the sky was beginning to get a little gray in the East; so we struck for an island, and hid the raft, and suck in the skiff, and turned in and slept like dead people."
The pun is funny because everyone thinks that Huck really is dead so making him sleep like on is very ironic. Also they just past some murders who are dead and could have killed them. So in general there is a lot about dead bodies and they are sleeping just like them.
The pun is funny because everyone thinks that Huck really is dead so making him sleep like on is very ironic. Also they just past some murders who are dead and could have killed them. So in general there is a lot about dead bodies and they are sleeping just like them.
Chapters 15-16
How does Huck convince the men looking for runaway slaves not to search the raft?
He convinced them not to search it by saying that his family was onboard and that they had smallpox. The men turned away because they were afraid of getting infected. Also out of pity they gave Huck $40 in gold.
He convinced them not to search it by saying that his family was onboard and that they had smallpox. The men turned away because they were afraid of getting infected. Also out of pity they gave Huck $40 in gold.
What is the principle conflict in Huck's mind about Jim?
His conflict is weather or not he should turn Jim in when they reach the free states. He is starting to feel bad because he did help Miss Wastson's slave escape and she has so much for Huck he feels as if he is betraying her. On the other hand Huck has created the growing bond of friendship with Jim and he is his only companion so he struggles with his conscience on the right think to do.
His conflict is weather or not he should turn Jim in when they reach the free states. He is starting to feel bad because he did help Miss Wastson's slave escape and she has so much for Huck he feels as if he is betraying her. On the other hand Huck has created the growing bond of friendship with Jim and he is his only companion so he struggles with his conscience on the right think to do.
How does the theme of loneliness and isolation come out in these chapters?
It shows up when Huck is in the canoe and Jim is on the raft and they get separated in the fog. It shows that Huck and Jim were both alone until they found each other. Isolation happened a lot with slaves because they could not mix with the white people and so when Huck got lost and left Jim behind it was like he was isolating him just like at home. However when he came back that feeling of friendship was restored.
It shows up when Huck is in the canoe and Jim is on the raft and they get separated in the fog. It shows that Huck and Jim were both alone until they found each other. Isolation happened a lot with slaves because they could not mix with the white people and so when Huck got lost and left Jim behind it was like he was isolating him just like at home. However when he came back that feeling of friendship was restored.
Chapters 17-18
What do the furnishings of the Grangerfords house tell us about the inhabitants?
The furnishing in the Grangerfords house tell us that they have some money. They have nice furniture and even a rug from Philadelphia. They also had a 100 slaves working on their estate.
The furnishing in the Grangerfords house tell us that they have some money. They have nice furniture and even a rug from Philadelphia. They also had a 100 slaves working on their estate.
Would you say the Grangerfords are basically good or bad people? Why do they end up the way they do?
I think that the Grangerfords are good people. They took Huck in and let him stay even though they have no idea who he is. They also treat Huck like he was one of their own and that he had been there the whole time. They end up the way they do because of an old feud with their neighbors the Shepherdsons. They don't actually know who started or why but that was the way they were raised, if they see someone from the other house, shoot them. They try their best to be good people, just as they took in Huck, but this feud makes them seem bad.
I think that the Grangerfords are good people. They took Huck in and let him stay even though they have no idea who he is. They also treat Huck like he was one of their own and that he had been there the whole time. They end up the way they do because of an old feud with their neighbors the Shepherdsons. They don't actually know who started or why but that was the way they were raised, if they see someone from the other house, shoot them. They try their best to be good people, just as they took in Huck, but this feud makes them seem bad.
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?
Life on the raft has been pretty safe and rewarding so far. Huck and Jim are on their own world when they are on the raft, they forget about how many people are after them and the difference in skin color. Huck and Jim are just friends enjoying a float down the river. Life on shore has been quite a different story, Huck has run in to more trouble when he went on land because he must lie to everyone he meets. Also he is alone because he could not bring a "free slave" with him because someone might capture him. Huck has to steal and cheat his way around people and hurt people who offered him kindness and generosity. I think Huck feels bad about his "double life" but it is what is best for both Huck and Jim.
Life on the raft has been pretty safe and rewarding so far. Huck and Jim are on their own world when they are on the raft, they forget about how many people are after them and the difference in skin color. Huck and Jim are just friends enjoying a float down the river. Life on shore has been quite a different story, Huck has run in to more trouble when he went on land because he must lie to everyone he meets. Also he is alone because he could not bring a "free slave" with him because someone might capture him. Huck has to steal and cheat his way around people and hurt people who offered him kindness and generosity. I think Huck feels bad about his "double life" but it is what is best for both Huck and Jim.
Chapters 19-20
What theory does Jim come up with regarding the origin of the stars?
Jim thinks that the stars were made. He thinks that the moon gave birth to all the stars in the sky.
Jim thinks that the stars were made. He thinks that the moon gave birth to all the stars in the sky.
Huck knows the duke and king are frauds from the beginning. Why does he pretend that he thinks they are the real thing?
Huck has faced a lot of trouble over the last few weeks and the last thing he wants to create more. He pretends to think they are the real thing because he wants to avoid all conflict between the men and Huck and Jim. By pretending they are who they say they are Huck can get out of conflict and keep them both safe.
Huck has faced a lot of trouble over the last few weeks and the last thing he wants to create more. He pretends to think they are the real thing because he wants to avoid all conflict between the men and Huck and Jim. By pretending they are who they say they are Huck can get out of conflict and keep them both safe.
How does Twain again use weather to emphasize the mood and rising action of a conflict?
Twain uses it to emphasize the feeling of tension and disagreement. We hear that there is a storm coming implying that something big is about to happen. Also it starts the idea of the rising conflict between Huck, Jim and the men.
Twain uses it to emphasize the feeling of tension and disagreement. We hear that there is a storm coming implying that something big is about to happen. Also it starts the idea of the rising conflict between Huck, Jim and the men.
Chapters 21-24
What is Sherburn's attitude toward the men attempting to lynch him? What do you think Twain's attitude is?
His attitude toward everyone was that there was no way people try to lynch him, they are far to scared to touch him. I think Twain's attitude is that people talk a lot of trash and may make threats to hurt you but in reality they aren't going to do anything.
His attitude toward everyone was that there was no way people try to lynch him, they are far to scared to touch him. I think Twain's attitude is that people talk a lot of trash and may make threats to hurt you but in reality they aren't going to do anything.
Why do you think Twain includes a description of the circus here? How would you compare the circus to the entertainment provided by the duke and king?
I think Twain includes a description of a circus to show other forms of entertainment in that time and what people found to be fun and exciting. In the circus the point is to be funny and entertaining so people laugh WITH the people in the circus. However, the show that the duke and king put on was so bad that people found it funny and laughed AT them which is different.
I think Twain includes a description of a circus to show other forms of entertainment in that time and what people found to be fun and exciting. In the circus the point is to be funny and entertaining so people laugh WITH the people in the circus. However, the show that the duke and king put on was so bad that people found it funny and laughed AT them which is different.
How do the duke and king entice people to see the "Royal Nonesuch"? What do you think Twain in implying about human nature with this?
They entice the people to come see the show by putting up posters that say no women and children. I think that it implies that people are drawn to inappropriate desires and aspirations, causing them to make bad decisions.
They entice the people to come see the show by putting up posters that say no women and children. I think that it implies that people are drawn to inappropriate desires and aspirations, causing them to make bad decisions.
Chapters 25-28
What makes the Wilks girls saddest about having their property sold?
The thing that makes them the saddest is when they sold off the family of slaves separately. This means that the family would be split up and moved far away from each other and their former, loving, masters.
The thing that makes them the saddest is when they sold off the family of slaves separately. This means that the family would be split up and moved far away from each other and their former, loving, masters.
Why does Huck want Mary Jane to leave the house after he tells her the truth?
He asks Mary Jane to leave for many reasons. One of them is if he told her in the house he was worried tat someone could possibly over hear them or interrupt them. Also he wanted her to be able to leave right away to go to that "sick" friends house. If she was already outside and calm leaving wouldn't seem weird to those who saw her leave before the news.
He asks Mary Jane to leave for many reasons. One of them is if he told her in the house he was worried tat someone could possibly over hear them or interrupt them. Also he wanted her to be able to leave right away to go to that "sick" friends house. If she was already outside and calm leaving wouldn't seem weird to those who saw her leave before the news.
Where is Jim during this entire episode? Why didn't Twain involve him more?
Jim is stuck on the tied up raft with a sign indication he has a very contagious virus so that people will stay away from him. I don't think think that Twain involved him much because he could have dealt with seeing a family, similar to his, being split up. Also it would raise some serious questions in the town because they do not deal with colored people well.
Jim is stuck on the tied up raft with a sign indication he has a very contagious virus so that people will stay away from him. I don't think think that Twain involved him much because he could have dealt with seeing a family, similar to his, being split up. Also it would raise some serious questions in the town because they do not deal with colored people well.
Chapters 29-31
How do the Duke and King prosper in the days following their escape?
They do not do well. Rumors have spread about the two men to towns farther downstream so many people are on the look out. They attempt some of their basic tricks but are completely unsuccessful.
They do not do well. Rumors have spread about the two men to towns farther downstream so many people are on the look out. They attempt some of their basic tricks but are completely unsuccessful.
How do the Duke and King behave towards each other in these chapters? How would you compare this to their behavior in earlier chapters?
The men are very flustered after their escape and are blaming each other for stealing the money which causes tension that was never before present. The two eventually return to a more normal state an start holding private conferences. This behavior is different from earlier chapters because before they were always very outgoing and very close. Also they were very open with information to Huck and Jim but now they have become sheltered and secretive.
The men are very flustered after their escape and are blaming each other for stealing the money which causes tension that was never before present. The two eventually return to a more normal state an start holding private conferences. This behavior is different from earlier chapters because before they were always very outgoing and very close. Also they were very open with information to Huck and Jim but now they have become sheltered and secretive.
How does Huck escape the Wilks investigation?
In all the ca motion of the Wilks investigation Huck was able to run away. It happened right after the crowd discovered the money with the dead body and the call for the death of all four men. He was abe to slip out of it and run away to the raft with Jim.
In all the ca motion of the Wilks investigation Huck was able to run away. It happened right after the crowd discovered the money with the dead body and the call for the death of all four men. He was abe to slip out of it and run away to the raft with Jim.
Chapters 32-34
How does the setting contribute to the mood at the beginning of chapter 32?
The mood was very uncertain and gloomy. Huck did not actually know where Jim was being held and being meet at the gate by large attack dogs was not welcoming. The mood was pretty scary and uncertain for the beginning, but got much happier through the chapter.
The mood was very uncertain and gloomy. Huck did not actually know where Jim was being held and being meet at the gate by large attack dogs was not welcoming. The mood was pretty scary and uncertain for the beginning, but got much happier through the chapter.
What white attitude of the time does Twain attack in Huck's conversation with Aunt Sally? What theme does this reinforce?
He attacks the attitude of white dominance in the conversation. They refer to the blacks in a rationally slurring way and demonstrate command over them. The theme that is reinforced is the idea that whites are always better than blacks.
He attacks the attitude of white dominance in the conversation. They refer to the blacks in a rationally slurring way and demonstrate command over them. The theme that is reinforced is the idea that whites are always better than blacks.
What is ironic about Tom Sawyer's agreeing to help Huck free Jim?
What is ironic is the fact that just a few months ago, back when they were living with Miss Watson Tom made complete fun of Jim and played tricks and was mean to him, now he is committing crimes to save him.
What is ironic is the fact that just a few months ago, back when they were living with Miss Watson Tom made complete fun of Jim and played tricks and was mean to him, now he is committing crimes to save him.
Chapter 35-38
How does returning Tom to the story ( chapters 34-43) result in a change of tone and mood?
It changes Huck back into a follower figure instead of the leader. Before he was making all the decisions regarding Jim and their movements, now he just stands back and takes directions from Tom. It had greater tension then before.
It changes Huck back into a follower figure instead of the leader. Before he was making all the decisions regarding Jim and their movements, now he just stands back and takes directions from Tom. It had greater tension then before.
What characteristics does Aunt Sally have that enable the boys to take advantage of her?
She has an overwhelming love for the boys and believes they can do nothing wrong. The boys can then act innocent and play it off as anyone or anything but them.
She has an overwhelming love for the boys and believes they can do nothing wrong. The boys can then act innocent and play it off as anyone or anything but them.
Compare and contrast the character of Nat to Jim.
They both have a very strong faith in myths and can be manipulated due to this. Nat is happier then Jim just because he gets treated right and he has his family unlike Jim. They both like Huck and Tom and find comfort in each other.
They both have a very strong faith in myths and can be manipulated due to this. Nat is happier then Jim just because he gets treated right and he has his family unlike Jim. They both like Huck and Tom and find comfort in each other.
Chapter 39-40
What effect has the last warning letter have on the Phelpses?
They are tarrified. They do not know what to do and they are afraid for their lives and do not know who to turn to.
They are tarrified. They do not know what to do and they are afraid for their lives and do not know who to turn to.
What does Jim's behavior in these chapters say about his character?
In these chapters Jim's character is shown as he is gentle and caring. He is willing to do what Tom says even though he does not agree with it. He also is willing to do anything to keep both Huck and Tom safe.
In these chapters Jim's character is shown as he is gentle and caring. He is willing to do what Tom says even though he does not agree with it. He also is willing to do anything to keep both Huck and Tom safe.
What startling revelation does Huck come to regarding Jim?
Huck finally realized the Jim was a real person just like him. He now truly believes the Jim in white inside and not a black being. He learns that Jim has feeling and can care for people just like Huck can.
Huck finally realized the Jim was a real person just like him. He now truly believes the Jim in white inside and not a black being. He learns that Jim has feeling and can care for people just like Huck can.
Chapter 41-43
How does Twain continue to develop Huck's character as a thoughtful, caring person?
He continues to develop his character by mentioning his interaction with Aunt Sally. After seeing how much Aunt Sally cared, Huck vowed to never hurt her again. Also how he came to treat Jim as an equal because he gave Jim the chance to show his real personality.
He continues to develop his character by mentioning his interaction with Aunt Sally. After seeing how much Aunt Sally cared, Huck vowed to never hurt her again. Also how he came to treat Jim as an equal because he gave Jim the chance to show his real personality.
In chapter 42, how does Twain explain Tom's earlier willingness to aid Jim's escape?
He explains it by finally telling the truth about Jim. He tells everyone that Jim has indeed been free for almost 2 months and his master had died. Because he knew that Jim was free, there was no consequences for helping him escape, it was simply another adventure.
He explains it by finally telling the truth about Jim. He tells everyone that Jim has indeed been free for almost 2 months and his master had died. Because he knew that Jim was free, there was no consequences for helping him escape, it was simply another adventure.
Why did Jim keep the dead men's identity a secret from Huck?
He kept it secret so that Huck would not decide to go back. The reason Huck left was because of Pap and if he was gone, Huck could return to his money and to Tom. Jim did not want Huck to return him to Miss Watson, or even leave him on his own, so he just didn't mention it.
He kept it secret so that Huck would not decide to go back. The reason Huck left was because of Pap and if he was gone, Huck could return to his money and to Tom. Jim did not want Huck to return him to Miss Watson, or even leave him on his own, so he just didn't mention it.