Name: American Literature

Ms. Zarkh

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Homework Assignment

Your Task:

Huck Finn is the story of a physical, psychological, and emotional journey. As you read the book, you will be recording your own intellectual journey in a reading log, which will capture your ideas and responses to the text. Your reading log will also serve as a point of departure for class discussion, and will solidify your understanding of the novel.

Requirements:

·  You will complete one entry for each scheduled reading assignment.

·  Each entry should be at least one page (typed, double spaced, 12-point font, one-inch margins).

·  Each entry should make specific reference to the text (i.e., quotes).

Reading Schedule:

Assignment #1: Chapters 1-6 (pages 1-22, including “Notice” and “Explanatory”)

Describe your first impressions of the novel and Huck as a character. What did you find surprising, confusing, or thought-provoking? Use specific reference to the text to develop your answer.

Assignment #2: Chapters 7-16 (pages 22-72)

How would you characterize Huck? How would you describe his relationship with Jim? Use specific reference to the text to develop your answer.

Assignment #3: Chapters 17-23 (pages 72-118)

Where do you see Twain’s satire at work in this section of the novel? How is his writing satirical? What aspects of society do you think he is criticizing and why? What examples of irony do you notice and why are they present? Use specific reference to the text to develop your answer.

Assignment #4: Chapters 24-31 (pages 118-164)

Describe the literal and figurative role of the Duke and the King at this point in the novel. Describe your reactions to them or your feelings about them. How do they affect Huck? Use specific reference to the text to develop your answer.

Assignment #5: Chapters 32-end (pages 165-220)

Do you think the ending of the novel is appropriate? Why or why not? How does it reinforce or undermine Twain’s themes? Use specific reference to the text to develop your answer.

Grading:

·  Entries are due at the start of class.

·  Late entries will be penalized.

·  Your reading log will be graded based on: thoroughness and thoughtfulness, specific references to the text, careful proofreading, timeliness, and overall effort.