Huck Discussion (essay)

The classes were reversed today so I'll just focus on the Huck discussion. Overall an excellent discussion for both groups. Everyone spoke at least once! Still need to get a little better at passing the ball to people who don't speak as much instead of always giving preference to the same people.
I will attach some of the notes I have on the discussions and just a warning about the ending--it will drive a lot of you crazy (but not as bad as Turn of the Screw).
Upcoming: MC for Monday and Huck for Tuesday.

Huck Finn Discussion Notes

Violence—very graphic images, Tom’s games, feud, Boggs, Huck’s beatings (7 deaths by first half)

Religion hypocrisy—slave owners, praying, killing neighbors,

Romantic ideals—Tom’s schemes, Huck mimics with realism (fake death, robbers, feud, fake identity, prison break)

Education—Tom (imagination, formal) versus Huck (logic, street)

Portrayal of Jim—superstitious, takes care of Huck, loyal, logical (hairball, king solermun, French)

Power issues between Huck and Jim, does Huck care for Jim? (he seems to forget about him a lot)

Alcoholism—how many times does it show up

Portrayal of women—clever, discover Huck’s lies

Signs of Huck maturing—scene with Buck, decision about Jim

Reliable narrator?—13 year old boy

Symbolism of the river

What is Twain’s purpose in writing this novel? Remember it was published in 1898

Role of identity—King and the Duke, Huck’s constant changes

Portrayal of slavery—is it realistic, romanticized?

Why would this book be banned? Are the reasons different in 1900 vs. 2000?