Huck Finn Literary Analysis
Mr. Arends
American Literature
As we read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, you will write a literary analysis essay. A literary
analysis is an essay that describes how you feel about a position taken concerning a literary work (book, movie,
play, etc). In a literary work, there are usually several controversial issues that arise, either within the
framework of the story or with the author’s technique.
In this essay you will discuss an important aspect of the novel. It is vital that you take a position on one of
the controversial issues contained within the story or the author’s technique. This position needs to be backed
up with evidence. This is not a subjective essay. You must use evidence in the form of quotes and examples
from the novel to help prove the point you are making about the message of the novel. This should be argued as
unemotionally as possible. Remember, you want to convince me that your position is the correct one. You will
need to include:
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Introduction
o Generally address the topic contained in your thesis.
o Author
o Title
o Thesis statement: The overall point you will make about the novel
Body
o This is where you address the topic in detail
o Each body paragraph should contain at least 2 quotes
o Explanations on why each quote supports your thesis statement
Conclusion
o Restate your thesis
o Summarize your major points
o Include your feelings on the topic
Length: 3-4 pages
Formatting Requirements:
o Header at top left: Name, Date, Instructor, Assignment
o 12 point font
o Times New Roman
o 1 inch margins
o Page numbers
o Choose and Original title
 Write the essay first and then look for the best line or favorite phrase you have written.
Do not use “Huck Finn Essay”
Due Date: Friday, March 1st (subject to change)
This essay should be written in the third person. That means you should not use I or We.
Topics
These are a few ideas for writing your literary analysis. You may base your analysis around answering these
questions. If you would like to answer a question of your own, you must bring it to me for approval first.
1. Analyze Jim’s role in the novel. Consider his role as a father, a slave, as well as a father-figure and
friend to Huck. How does Jim change throughout the novel?
2. How is freedom an essential theme in the novel? How do the Mississippi River and the raft act as
symbols of freedom? What does freedom mean for Jim? What does it mean for Huck?
3. How does Huck develop a conscience and mature over the course of the novel? Examine instances
where Huck debates right and wrong in the novel. What important life lessons does Huck learn?
4. Many flaws in human nature are revealed throughout the course of the novel. What flaws are examined
by Twain? What is Twain’s point in revealing these flaws? What does this teach the reader about
human nature? How does Twain use satire to reveal and criticize these flaws?
Paragraph Construction
The following is an example of how to write a literary analysis body paragraphs. For this example, I chose to write about
Courage:
1. Topic Sentence: Many characters in the novel show their courage in several ways. Scout’s father, Atticus, is
courageous for his decision to defend Tom Robinson.
2. Introduces quote #1: For instance, in chapter 22, Miss Maudie tells Jem,
3. Quote #1: “I simply want to tell you that there are some men in this world who were born to do our unpleasant jobs for
us. Your father’s one of them.” (p. 245)
4. Importance of quote #1: This shows that his courage is greater than most men, and particuly, that of the men in
Maycomb county. Even though he and his family were threatened, Atticus did not change his mind and persisted in the
face of hate and disrespect.
5. Introduce Quote #2: Another character, Jem, also shows his courage by running up to the Radley house, a place that
everyone in Maycomb fears. One day when the kids were playing,
6. Quote #2: “Jem threw open the gate and sped to the side of house, slapped it with his palm, ran back past us not
waiting to see if his foray was successful.” (p. 16)
7. Importance of quote #2: This shows that even Atticus’ son is courageous by trying to communicate with Boo radley.
Although this is not as dangerous as Atticus’ decision to protect Tom, it is a big deal for a child!
8. Concluding and Transitioning Sentence: However, not all the characters in the novel are courageous at all!
Completed Paragraph: This is what it looks like when you put it all together!
Many characters in the novel show their courage in several ways. Scout’s father, Atticus, is courageous for his decision to
defend Tom Robinson. For instance, in chapter 22, Miss Maudie tells Jem, “I simply want to tell you that there are some
men in this world who were born to do our unpleasant jobs for us. Your father’s one of them.” (p. 245) This shows that his
courage is greater than most men, and particuly, that of the men in Maycomb county. Even though he and his family were
threatened, Atticus did not change his mind and persisted in the face of hate and disrespect. Another character, Jem, also
shows his courage by running up to the Radley house, a place that everyone in Maycomb fears. One day when the kids
were playing, “Jem threw open the gate and sped to the side of house, slapped it with his palm, ran back past us not
waiting to see if his foray was successful.” (p. 16) This shows that even Atticus’ son is courageous by trying to communicate
with Boo radley. Although this is not as dangerous as Atticus’ decision to protect Tom, it is a big deal for a child! However,
not all the characters in the novel are courageous at all!
Excerpted from: http://virtualatdp.berkeley.edu:8081/2900.dg/assignments/2
Literary Analysis Organizer
Use this to organize your essay. Complete prior to typing your essay.
Name:
Introduction: Should be more than 3 sentences
Attention Getter:
Transition Sentence: How does your attention getter relate to your thesis?
Thesis Statement:
Body Paragraph 1:
Topic Sentence:
Introduce quote #1:
Quote #1:
Importance of quote #1 (2-4 sentences):
Transition and Introduction of quote #2:
Quote #2:
Importance of quote #2 (2-4 sentences):
Concluding and transitioning sentence:
Body Paragraph 2:
Topic Sentence:
Introduce quote #1:
Quote #1:
Importance of quote #1 (2-4 sentences):
Transition and Introduction of quote #2:
Quote #2:
Importance of quote #2 (2-4 sentences):
Concluding and transitioning sentence:
Body Paragraph 3:
Topic Sentence:
Introduce quote #1:
Quote #1:
Importance of quote #1 (2-4 sentences):
Transition and Introduction of quote #2:
Quote #2:
Importance of quote #2 (2-4 sentences):
Concluding and transitioning sentence:
You may include more than 3 body paragraphs. Include as many as are necessary to prove your point.
Conclusion:
Reword your thesis sentence:
Review your main points:
How does this theme apply to life today or “So What?”: