The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
American Literature - Academic
Mark Twain’s most controversial and celebrated novel is a work that appears on two
lists—The List of Banned Books and the Top 100 Books College Freshmen are
expected to have read. It tells the story of a young boy who runs away from home to
escape abuse and befriends an escaped slave. Their adventures are the focus of the
book and lead to an inevitable climax forcing Huck to question everything he has
previously believed. This book was controversial in 1885 for its sympathetic look at
African-Americans and its “low moral value.” It is controversial today for its onedimensional portrayal of African-Americans and its use of offensive language. The
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a satire. That means it is a
1 : a literary work holding up human vices and follies to ridicule or scorn
2 : trenchant wit, irony, or sarcasm used to expose and discredit vice or folly
Essentially, the novel is a comedy about serious things. Can you think of other satires?
Although more than 125 years have passed since the publishing of The Adventures of
Huckleberry Finn, its message is relevant today. As we read, keep the following
questions in mind:
Essential Question:
 How do we treat the powerless in our society?
 Who determines right and wrong for the individual?
 What is moral behavior?
 What is civilized behavior?
Mark Twain was a humorist, journalist, novelist, and through it all, a social critic. His
philosophy was to keep laughing so he would not cry. He was constantly focusing on
the plight of the weak, the injustices of modern society and the irony of the human
condition. As we read, we are going to do that, too. Twain criticizes organized religion,
the government, ignorance, hypocrisy, and the tendency to confuse affluence with
class, wealth with good morals. Using Twain as a model, we are going to examine
2008 and hold it under a microscope using articles and news stories.
Assignment:
Every Friday, you are to bring in one article from the newspaper or a magazine that
reflects an aspect of American society. Try to select ones that deal with education,
corruption, government, religion, cruelty, fraud, family, trends/pop culture, the
plight of the powerless, morals, and American values. Type at least a half page
analysis of your article connecting it to something else we have discussed in here (or
would like to discuss in here) and share your opinion about it. Explain why you selected
it and what you think it says about Americans. Then, create at least 5 bullet pointed
questions that you could use to lead the class in discussion about the article. The best
will be used in class and you will facilitate for extra credit. Peruse newspapers and
find articles that truly interest you! Let’s use this unit to explore the country around
us and come to a deeper understanding about America.
First assignment due Friday, April 1.