Kim 1 Lewis Kim Mr. P.

Graham AP English 11 20 March 2013 The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: Select Guide Answers 83. Huck holds a very satirical and cynical tone toward Emmeline Grangerford and her

poetry, which can be interpreted as a reflection of Twains attitude toward sentimentalism and death. Emmeline had died of some sickness, just like Emily Dickinson (who had died of Brights disease); this parallel suggests that Emmeline is a caricature, a simple image showing the features of its subject in a simplified or exaggerated way, of Emily Dickinson used by Twain to satirize how sentimental people were toward death. 151. Tearing up the letter to Miss Watson is described as one of the greatest moments in

American literature because it represents someone standing against the very values with which he/she grew up with. By ripping up the letter, Huck forsakes his old identity; by forsaking his old identity, however, Huck ultimately challenges both transcendental and societal laws, or the validity of slavery and the notion of theft, which contradicts the values with which he grew up with in the South. This specific scene could only occur in the context of the setting of the novel because of its historical period. By challenging both transcendental and societal laws, Twain also challenges the validity of slavery, a hotly debated topic during the Antebellum period. 168. The argument that Jims rescue is an inappropriate denouement is invalid; by allowing

Huck to consent to Toms scheme, Twain introduces progression-regression into the novel work of literature that satirizes human nature. Twain depicts in Chapter 34 of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn that humanitys view of change in character is bloated and overrated. As seen

Kim 2 in the novel work of literature, Hucks newly achieved maturity seems monumental; however, it is easily be detracted from further growth by the influence of our environment. Furthermore, Twain states that it is okay to miss a few steps on the path to identity. Even though Huck consents to Toms ludicrous scheme, later events in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn such as his decision to set out on a new journey show that Huck nevertheless continues to grow both morally and maturely. 199. Tom has worked so hard to set a n****r free because of his love for drama and

adventure. Toms desire to recreate exciting moments in history and literature has ultimately belittled and demeaned Jim, stripping away his right to knowledge of his status and ultimately his acquired right to freedom. Since Tom does not undergo significant change within his personality, Tom is a static character, where one of his purposes is to foil Huck. Huck realizes at the end of the chapter that Tom, even with his upbringing, knows right from wrong. This implies that Toms greater purpose within Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is to carry Twains direct challenge to slave owners: if a boy as immature and melodramatic as Tom Sawyer can see that slavery is morally wrong, why cant Christian slave owners? 202. Huck rejects being sivilized once again not only because of his innate hate for

conformism, but also because of what he learned about the so-called sivilization through his adventures. Huck learns from many experiences such as the Grangerford-Shepherdson feud and the schemes of the King and the Duke that human nature is innately corrupt. People are violent, even with an unclear reason, as exemplified by the Grangerford-Shepherdson feud, and also hypocritical in their lives of peace and civility, as depicted by the Phelps, who own a huge plantation full of men being held against their own will.

Kim 3 203. The final two sentences of the novel work of literature presents an optimistic conclusion

to Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Although the sentences may seem pessimistic because of Hucks unwillingness to conform, Huck has never actually yet found his identity. Even though Huck developed significantly both morally and maturely, only a fraction of Hucks identity has been found. The ending poses as many problems as there were solutions, and leaves a glimpse of hope that, with Hucks newly achieved maturity and morality, Huck will continue to triumph in his search for his identity. 204. Hucks literal quest is his quest to escape conformism and oppression, or sivilization,

posed by his father Pap and Widow Douglas. Huck has most likely succeeded in achieving this goal, as Pap has died and he sets off to Oklahoma Territory avoid being sivilized once again. On the other hand, Hucks figurative quest, or his search for his identity, has not yet been achieved; Hucks search for identity will persevere throughout his entire life, with each adventure presenting new dilemmas that will ultimately contribute to who Huck turns out to be. 205. The controversy behind Mark Twains novel work of literature is not understandable, and

modern sentimentalism toward race relations cannot be an excuse as Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is not being deliberately malevolent or offensive. Its diction serves to take power away from the word n****r, while the portrayal of Jim is used to depict the degree of oppression African Americans suffered during the Antebellum period. The only reason why people object to Twains masterpiece is because of hyped up sensitivity mankind has toward any form of racism, which is understandable, but not acceptable. Without a doubt, racism is wrong; however, racism used symbolically within works of art serves to help humanity better understand what certain ethnic groups had to undergo during specific time periods, and should not be controversial.