GROUP ONE: CHAPTERS 21-31

11/4/2010

1. When Huck realizes Jim is homesick, he claims, “I do believe he cared just as much for his people as white folks does for their’n. It don’t seem natural, but I reckon it’s so.” What does this tell you about Huck’s character? How does this epiphany Huck is having bring us closer to Twain's questioning of the morality of slavery?

2. How does Chapter 28 illustrate growth on Huck's part as a character? Use examples as evidence.

3. How does Twain use humor as a balance to the serious moral questions that are raised? Use examples as evidence! (there are a few from what we have read in the novel so far, so I expect different examples to be used!!)

31 Comments

Emily clark

4/18/2011 11:35:52 am

Question #1

This scene shows us that Huck has matured greatly since the start of the novel. It also gives us an insight into Huck's new persona of Jim as a human like himself. Huck's epiphany shows Twain's view of how African Americans are just like white folks. He shows Huck finally understanding that JIm and him both share the same feeling toward their own people.

Emily Clark

4/18/2011 11:45:21 am

Question #2

Chapter 28 shows Huck's character growth in many ways. One main instance is that he tells Mary Jane the truth about the duke and the dauphin. Huck has little experience with telling the truth but manages to pull through. He also finds a way to help Mary Jane get out of the house until it is safe for her to return to claim what is rightfully hers and her sister's fortune. This shows that Huck has indeed matured since the first chapter of the novel.

Thomas Carota

4/18/2011 11:54:34 am

Question 1:

When this happens Huck relizes that African Americans are no different than white folk. It shows how Huck has greatly grew up since the beginning of the novel. He says it doesn't seem natural because slavery was okay in this time period, but Huck was against it. This scene also shows the fact that Twain's view is that African Americans are just like us. Huck understands that him and Jim care about people the same and their friendship continues to grow further.

ryan smith

4/18/2011 11:55:30 am

question 1;

By this quote, you can tell that Huck has grow emeotionally closer to Jim. He is seein Jim now as one of his on, and not an outcast. So in a way you can say Huck has matured more by understanding all the hrash ways off life and how much Jim has to go through. The epiphany shows that Whites and Blacks care about each other the same; Twain shows that in the quote. It shows that everyone loves one another as one.

Reply to emily; 1

I agree with emily that huck has matured alot because he realizes that him and Jim are alot alike and that he doesn't just see Jim as a servent, but aas the living human being that he really is.

Emily Clark

4/18/2011 11:56:26 am

Question #3

Twian uses humor to balance out many moral questions that arise throughout his novel. For example, in chapter 11 Huck is informed of the reward placed on the capturing of Jim. Huck's morals are tested because he is having to lie in order to keep a promise for a friend. In order to balance out the severity of this scene Twain describes Huck in the dress and the reaction that he gives when Mrs. Lofus throws the lump of lead at Huck. The scene between the two gives us some humor while still informing us of the trouble that lurks ahead.

Emily Clark

4/18/2011 11:58:16 am

Reply Thomas #1

I agree that we see a dramatic change in Huck's character from the beginning of the book. He is grewing up and obtanig a new veiw on the ways around him.

Thomas Carota

4/18/2011 12:04:28 pm

Question 2:

Chapter 28 shows much growth on Huck’s character. Through his journey, Huck has told many lies and has not been very truthful. But in Chapter 28 Huck tells Mary Jane the truth about the Duke and the King. On page 149, Huck says, "Miss Mary Jane, you can't abear to see people in trouble, and I can't---most always. Tell me about it." Huck's decisions to start being more honest affects how his character grows more and more in a positive way. It shows how he continues to grow as a better person throughout his journey.

ryan smith

4/18/2011 12:08:23 pm

question 2;
chaper 28 shows Huck's growth in character mainly because how he came through for Miss Mary Jane. He takes the money and hides it so that the duke can't keep it for himself.He knows its Mary Janes and wants to return it to her. He goes through all the trouble, for examole, hiding it in the coffin, neaking around the house at night, and lyng to cover for Miss Mary Jane.He hleps her escape the house so that she can come back and get the money that is hers. He helps her plan it all, and when the plan fails he comes out and tells Mary jane the truth; that he hid the money and that he didnt know if it was in the coffin anymoire.

reply to emily; 2

I agree that Huck has matured since the first chapeter. In the begiinign, he was going to live the life of a gang banger stealing people's things and robbery.Now he is living the life on his own and helping someone who he could easily turn in for money.

Emily Clark

4/18/2011 12:09:10 pm

Reply Thomas #2

I agree that Huck telling the truth is a breakthrough. All of his life he has lied constantly but in this chapter he finds the ability to tell the truth. This shows Huck's new found maturity and shows that his character is positively growing.

Emily Clark

4/18/2011 12:12:27 pm

Reply Ryan #2

I agree that Huck's scene with Mary Jane is the turning point in his character growth. Looking back at when he wanted to be a "gang" member and kill and rob people is different from how he is now. Huck now has his own veiws and opinions about the world around him. Huck is also more caring for others than he was in the first chapters of the novel.

Thomas Carota

4/18/2011 12:14:40 pm

Question 3:

I believe Twain uses humor as a balance to make the journey more realistic as well as being serious for the stress and trouble that comes with it as well. On page 72 it says, "Well, there's five niggers run off tonight, up yonder above the head of the bend. Is your man white or black?" This shows they have to be careful not to give up their identities. Also on page 21 Huck says, "then the old man got to cussing, and cussed everything and everybody he could think of, and then he cussed them all over again to make sure he hadn’t skipped any." This statement made by Huck back in Chapter 6 shows cussing in a joking matter as Huck talks about his father.

Thomas Carota

4/18/2011 12:19:07 pm

Reply to Emily, Question 1:

I agree with your statement that Huck has greatly matured since the beginning of the novel throughout his journey. Huck finally understands and realizes that he is no different than Jim, and that Jim really does care about people in the same way as he does. I also agree on the fact that Twain is definitely trying to show how African Americans were no different than white folk even though they were treated terribly and looked down upon.

Thomas Carota

4/18/2011 12:26:29 pm

Reply to Ryan, Question 2:

I agree with the fact that it shows how Huck has grown as a character in the fact that he does everything in his power to help Mary Jane so the duke won't steal her money. He does everything from planning in all to hiding the money in the coffin. Somehow the plan goes wrong and the coffin gets sealed. So he told Mary Jane the truth and where the coffin was buried.

Thomas Carota

4/18/2011 12:30:14 pm

Reply to Emily, Question 3:

I agree with the fact of Twain balancing humor along with the real dangers that still lie ahead. He does show the seriousness of Huck still lying to keep his promise to Jim when he is informed of the reward for capturing Jim, and then goes straight into the humor between Huck and Ms. Lofus in Chapter 11.

ryan smith

4/18/2011 12:34:03 pm

question 3;

Twain uses humor in many ways to balance out the moral questions thrown out in this novel. For example, when huck came across "Susan and the hare-lip", he explained that Miss Mary Jane went to visit the Anthrops because Hanner was sick. Huck never knew what to say when Susan asked the questions, but he always gave a little bit of a hint to where Susan gave him the answers (kinda funny...HAHA). And when Susan asks whats wrong with Hanner, huck says that he has the mumps and that they were staying awake with Hanner all night. Susan said that they shuldnt have to stay up alll night for the mumps, but Huck lied once again and ssaid it was a special kind of mumps with all sorts of different diseases built it. When i read this, i laghed knowing that Huck is able to lie so easily when he makes up everything as he goes.

reply to emily; 3

I agree that the scene with Mrs. LOFfus was amausing because Huck was dressed up as a girl and tried to lie hois way out of everything but Mrs. Lofus knew he was lying the whole time and end the end called him out on it.

Mallory

4/18/2011 12:35:25 pm

Question 1:
The scene in which Jim expresses his concern for his family back home is both an emotional one for Jim, Huck and the reader. When I was reading this section I recall noting how odd it was that Huck was beginning to consider Jim as a person. In these days it's not a matter of who is a person or not, especially not because of their skin color, but at that time skin color defined your standing in America. A black person was looked upon as non-human, but Huck provides his insight into natural human feeling in this chapter. Huck is able to relate to Jim with this instance and see him as a person. This is because Huck understands the emotions first hand that makes Jim just as human as Huck. This shows how Huck is growing during their journey and how close he is becoming to Jim. It also shows that Huck is unlike many of the people of his time. For instance, Tom Sawyer is a romanticist and very immature and ignorant, like most of the people during this time. But Huck is willing to think for himself and make his own opinion about slavery and humans. Not only does Twain mention this to characterize Huck, but this mention of morality makes us think and broadens our ideas of superiority and slavery.

Question 2:
Huck experiences a real emotional growth in chapter 28th, especially during his conversation with Miss Mary Jane. To start, he sees she is upset and aims to console her. Then, when she admits she is upset because her slaves will be separated once she leaves for England Huck tries to make her feel better about the situation. I feel that many people from that era would give a response similar to "Oh, they're slaves. They don't really have feelings. It doesn't matter." But Huck doesn't immediately jump to this, especially after seeing Jim go through the same emotions he and Mary Jane feel. Though he lies, he consoles her by saying that the slaves will end up together. Then we see Huck's growth of honesty when he admits he The Duke and King are frauds. He risks getting in trouble as well to do right by Mary Jane and her family.

Question 3:
Question 1:
The scene in which Jim expresses his concern for his family back home is both an emotional one for Jim, Huck and the reader. When I was reading this section I recall noting how odd it was that Huck was beginning to consider Jim as a person. In these days it's not a matter of who is a person or not, especially not because of their skin color, but at that time skin color defined your standing in America. A black person was looked upon as non-human, but Huck provides his insight into natural human feeling in this chapter. Huck is able to relate to Jim with this instance and see him as a person. This is because Huck understands the emotions first hand that makes Jim just as human as Huck. This shows how Huck is growing during their journey and how close he is becoming to Jim. It also shows that Huck is unlike many of the people of his time. For instance, Tom Sawyer is a romanticist and very immature and ignorant, like most of the people during this time. But Huck is willing to think for himself and make his own opinion about slavery and humans. Not only does Twain mention this to characterize Huck, but this mention of morality makes us think and broadens our ideas of superiority and slavery.

Question 2:
Huck experiences a real emotional growth in chapter 28th, especially during his conversation with Miss Mary Jane. To start, he sees she is upset and aims to console her. Then, when she admits she is upset because her slaves will be separated once she leaves for England Huck tries to make her feel better about the situation. I feel that many people from that era would give a response similar to "Oh, they're slaves. They don't really have feelings. It doesn't matter." But Huck doesn't immediately jump to this, especially after seeing Jim go through the same emotions he and Mary Jane feel. Though he lies, he consoles her by saying that the slaves will end up together. Then we see Huck's growth of honesty when he admits he The Duke and King are frauds. He risks getting in trouble as well to do right by Mary Jane and her family.

Question 3:
One of the obvious situations that I find humorous, yet ironic, in the novel is the the way the King and Duke con everyone. It shows the true ignorance of others and the lack of morals many people have. When they put on their show in the town and they hoodwink the people who show instead of being honest and telling others NOT to go, the attendants convince others to attend later so that they are also ripped off. It shows the vindictiveness of the townspeople and their selfishness. The ingenuity of the King and Duke is humorous, but it really sparks the moral integrity of the reader.

Mallory was here

4/18/2011 12:45:30 pm

Reply to Thomas, question 1: I pretty much said the same things as you cause we're genius and all. I really like what you said about it not being natural, because it wasn't. We really see Huck start to think for himself, something many people didn't do.

Reply to Ryan, question 2: I totally feel ya my man. Huck puts himself on the line because he knows what is right. It shows a kind of heroic nobility in Huck. Mary Jane plays the damsel in distress, though she doesn't realize it and Huck is the Hero. It restores our faith in the morality of these characters.

Reply to Emily, question three: That scene also stuck out to me, because many people were pulling for Jim and we could see Huck's inner struggle. Though I may say "I'd totally cover for Jim," at that time my actions would've been questionable.

Mallory

4/18/2011 12:46:20 pm

YEAH. I'M DONE. ON TIME. WOO.

Kay. Bye.

Ashley Beckham

4/18/2011 01:01:59 pm

Question 1:

I think this quote shows how Hucknd has changed throughout the novel. Hes never known anything other than slavery and that its a normal thing. As he gets to know Jim and they become closer he starts to see that just because someone has a different color skin then him, doesnt mean they arent a person too. When Huck has this thought it also shows us that Twain is against slavery and he viewed African Americans as people too.

Thomas Carota

4/18/2011 01:11:08 pm

Ms. Carter we <3 you.

Byeeee people

Ashley Beckham

4/18/2011 01:14:28 pm

Question 2:

In the beginning of the novel Huck was all over the place. He didnt really have a good upbringing and he wasnt really taught right from wrong. Throughout the novel though you can see how Hucks charater has progressed and how he has developed a sense of right and wrong. In chapter 28 Huck tells Mary Jane the truth about her "uncles" He says, "I got to tell the truth, and you want to brace up, Miss Mary, beacuse its a bad kind..." (pg. 150)

Ashley Beckham

4/18/2011 01:15:07 pm

Thomas is gay. <33

Unknown

4/18/2011 01:17:18 pm

What are you talking about.
Thomas is the coolest person I know.
<3

Ashley Beckham

4/18/2011 01:41:06 pm

Question 3:

Twain uses humor many times throughout the novel to balance out the serious moral questions that are raised. One instance that really stands out in my mind is when in the very beginning of the novel Huck talks about prayer. He says Miss Watson told him to pray everyday so he tried it to see if it actually worked. He says, "Once I got a fish-line, but no hooks. It warn't any good to me without hooks. I tried for the hooks three or four times." (pg. 9) In this way, Twain uses the humor of what Huck prays for to lesson the impact of the moral responsibilty that is placed on him.

Pssshhhhhhh.

4/18/2011 01:41:55 pm

Unknown. That figures.

Ashley Beckham

4/18/2011 01:52:22 pm

Reply to Emily question 1:

I agree with what you said about Twain seeing African Americans as humans. He has provided many examples throughout the novel that shows this.

Reply to Ryan question 2:

I agree with the way you said Hucks character has progessed. The way he helped Mary Jane and was very truthful to her was a great example of this.

Reply to Thomas question 3:

I agree with the way you used the example of Huck talking about his Dad in the novel to use humor to balance out the severity of his Dads character. His dad is a butt hole.

The end.

unknown

5/11/2011 04:49:40 am

i think we should stop getting so much work!
k, thanks

cara saxton

5/12/2011 06:34:26 am

cara

5/12/2011 06:46:16 am

Q1
By reading this quote, you can tell that Huck has grown emeotionally closer to Jim. Huck and Jim are now closer and Huck don't just look at him as an outcast.

Q2
at the beginning of the novel Huck was all over the place. He was not really taught right from wrong. Throughout the novel you can see how Huck's charater has progressed and how he has developed a sense of right and wrong.

Q3
Mark Twain uses humor in many ways to balance out the moral questions thrown out in this novel.Huck never knew what to say when Susan asked the questions, but he always gave a little bit of a hint to where Susan gave him the answers.

REPLY 1
i agree that huck has grown up!!

REPLY 2
hucks character has progressed through out the book.

REPLY 3
I agree with the fact of Twain balancing humor along with the real dangers that still lie ahead

Abbey Byrd

5/12/2011 02:46:36 pm

Question 1
When Huck realizes Jim is homesick and said that it shows us how Huck has matured more throughout the novel and has looked past the norms of society. This epiphany Huck is having brings us closer to Twain’s questionimg of the morality of slavery by showing the whites should be equal to blacks because they are the same. Huck becomes closer to Jim throughout the novel and Jim seems to be sort of a father figure to Huck because they both care about each other and take care of each other. It wasn’t right for someone to look at a black person as human but to Huck it just seemed “right” and he looked at Jim as a human like him.
Question 2
Chapter 28 illustrates growth on Huck’s part as a character. Huck helps Mary Jane when she was upset abput her slaves being separated. Huck talked her through this and I think his experience with Jim made him strong enough to do this. Since he was with Jim when he went through some of the same feelings he then reached out and helped her and Huck knows the slaves have feelings to. Huck also told the truth about the Duke and the King because he felt like it was right. He could have got in trouble for this but this was a big step for him because he hasn’t really told the truth much.
Question 3
Twain has used humor a lot throughout the novel as a balance to the serious moral questions that are raised. For example, when Huck dresses like a girl to go into town and talks to Mrs. Lofus. This was humorous because Huck was nervous and had no clue what to do while at the same time she was telling him the dangers that lie ahead and warned him. This was a serious point in the book because they had to get on down the river but it was also humorous.
Reply: Q1 Mallory
I agree that Huck did start to consider Jim as a human and that was very odd in that time period because a black person was looked at as a non-human. Huck does grow in this journey and becomes closer to Jim realizing he is a person and has feelings just like he does. Huck also has his own opinion about blacks and most likely just because of the journey he has taken with Jim and how he has experienced it first-hand.
Reply: Q2 Ryan
Huck did come through for Miss Mary Jane. He talked to her when she was upset trying to make her feel better about her slaves being separated. Huck did come out and tell her the truth. That was a big step for him.
Reply:Q3 Emily
I agree, Twain does use humor to balance out the moral questions throughout the novel. I found chapter 11 humorous too considering Huck had to dress like a girl. It was funny because Huck had no clue how to act and I can just picture it now him attempting to act like a girl. This was funny but also showed us the trouble that lye ahead on their journey.

jim

10/11/2012 10:41:16 am

penis

GROUP ONE: CHAPTERS 21-31

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