Huck Discussion Questions: XXI - XXI

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?
   
   
   
   
   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.
   
   
   Huck Discussion Questions XXXI - XXXV
   
   1. Would you say that Chapter 31 represents the climax of the novel? Why or why not?
   
   2. Huck says, "All right, then, I'll go to hell." Explain the irony in that statement.
   
   3. Discuss the symbolism of the imagery at the beginning of Chapter 32.
   
   4. Discuss Huck's understanding of Providence (215)? Would Miss Watson agree?
   
   5. How does Twain use irony in the discussion between Huck and Mrs. Phelps about the "steamboat accident."
   
   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?
   
   7. Huck and Tom both agree to help Jim escape; however, their motives are different. Explain.
   
   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" (225). Comment. What does this reveal about Huck's character?
   
   9. Discuss the irony in Tom's reaction to the stealing of the watermelon.
   
   10. Why does Huck let Tom take control?