Friday

 Read chapter 23 of Huck Finn. You should start the questions below and watch the Hatfield/McCoy video below:

Discussion Questions: XXI - XXIII

1. 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?
   
2. Compare the circus with the entertainment supplied by the duke and king?
   
3. What does Huck's reaction to the circus incident tell us about him? Whom does he think was most deceived?
   
4. What is Twain implying about human nature through the advertising for the "Royal Nonesuch"?
   
5. "What was the use to tell Jim these warn't real kings and dukes? It wouldn't a done no good; and besides, it was just as I said; you couldn't tell them from the real kind." (117). What does Twain imply?
   
6. What is significant about the story of 'Lizabeth?
   
7. Be ready to tell Huck's story so far. Develop a chronology of events - the more detailed the better!
   
   
   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?