Huck Finn Exam
Exam Information:
•
•
•
•
45 minutes
Open Book
Sticky note important sections
Allowed to make “cheat sheet”
o ½ page (8 ½ x 11)
o Use front and back
o Peruse through warm up, notes; jot down ideas, quotes, etc.
o Brainstorm answers to essay.
Please choose 3 out of the 5 questions below to answer. Don’t forget to use your cheat
sheet and your book.
1. How does Huckleberry Finn embody the pre-Civil War era? In other words, what
does the book tell you about what life was like for people during this period in
time? In a well-constructed essay, use at least 4-5 specific quotes and details from
the novel to support your answer.
2. William Falkner once said that Mark Twain was the “Father of American
Literature.” In your opinion, what makes Mark Twain’s writing so unique to
warrant this illustrious title? In a well-constructed essay, mention at least 4-5
quotes with explanation that stand out as examples of Mark Twain’s unique voice.
3. Through out the ages, the Mississippi River has stood as a centerpiece of travel
and communication for civilization. Most of Huckleberry Finn’s journey occurs
on the Mississippi, where he meets many different social classes. In a wellconstructed essay, discuss how these different social classes are represented in the
novel. Your essay should mention at least 4-5 specific quotes with your own
thoughts on how these people are represented on the Mississippi.
4. Some would call Huck Finn a bildungsroman, which is a genre of fiction where
the main character “grows up” at the end. Assuming Huck Finn is this genre,
discuss the personal growth of Huck Finn throughout the novel. Your wellconstructed essay should include at least 4-5 quotes with explanation that show
Huck Finn’s growth from childhood to adulthood.
5. Although Huckleberry Finn is considered an adventure story, some consider it to
be a social commentary about the issues of slavery in the South during the preCivil War. In a well-constructed essay, explain how issues of slavery are
expressed in Huckleberry Finn. Your essay should include at least 4-5 quotes
with explanation that you think are indicative of a commentary on slavery.