Huckleberry Finn Study Questions
Honors American Literature
Mrs. Spohn & Mrs. Brady
All Honors American Literature students are required to read the entire novel before school begins.
Students should thoroughly prepare questions for Chapters 1-16 for the first full day of class.
Responses to questions should use textual support in answering questions. All answers should be typed
and students should have two copies: one to submit to the teacher and one to use for annotation during
class discussion. The remaining study guide materials will be given as we progress through the novel.
Chapters 1-3:
1. What other novel has Huck appeared in and why is he rich?
2. What is a stretcher? Give an example from the text.
3. What is Huck's living arrangement, and what does it mean to be civilized? Provide five
examples from the text.
4. Pertaining to the Band of Robbers, respond to the following aspects:
a. secrecy
b. ransom plan
c. failure of Band
d. burglary vs. robbery
5. What are some differences between Tom and Huck based on their perspectives in the Band of
Robbers?
6. What is Huck's attitude toward praying and the “good and bad place”?
7. It is evident that the characters are very superstitious. Provide three examples of superstitions
from the early chapters of the novel. Also, provide two example of superstitious beliefs held
today.
Chapters 4-6:
1. Huck's intelligence is revealed in these chapters. Address the following:
a. his math skills
b. reason for going to Judge Thatcher
c. regard for money
2. More information is revealed about the characters in the hairball incident. What does it reveal
about Jim? What does it reveal about Huck?
3. Physically describe Pap Finn with specific details from the text.
4. What kind of father is Pap Finn to Huck?
5. Who attempts to reform Pap Finn? How does he do this, and what is the outcome?
6. When Huck is kidnapped, where is he taken, and how does his attitude change?
7. Explain the satire of Pap Finn's attitude toward the “educated nigger.”
Chapters 7-11:
1. Regarding Huck's plans to escape, address the following:
a. Why does he need to escape?
b. How will he transport himself?
c. What is the elaborate detailed plane? Provide step-by-step details of the plan.
d. Where will he go?
2. Provide two facts that prove Huck's escape plan worked.
3. Huck has company on the island. Who is it? Why is he there? Why is he suddenly rich?
4. Describe their campsite on the island.
5. The river provides for Huck and Jim's needs. Specifically describe the items recovered from
the river.
6. Oddly, Jim instructs Huck not to look at what? Why?
7. Explain the snake skin incident.
8. Huck decides to find out what's going on in town. Address the following:
a. this disguise and alias
b. the information Judith Loftus provides
c. how Huck gives away his disguise (provide 4 examples)
Chapters 12-14:
1. What is the Walter Scott, and who is aboard?
2. What is the situation with the three men? Include names and explanation of argument.
3. How does money doom the robbers and save Huck and Jim?
4. What is unusual about Huck's attitude toward the robbers and why?
5. Cleverly, how does Huck motivate the ferry boat owner to rescue Mr. Hornback's niece, Miss
Hooker?
6. Why isn't Jim as interested in adventure as Huck?
7. There is a humorous discussion between Huck and Jim regarding King “Sollermum” and other
languages. Address the following:
a. Why does Jim think the King is not wise?
b. What is Jim's reasoning concerning multiple languages?
Chapters 15-16:
1. What is the destination plan of Huck and Jim?
2. During a foggy night Huck and Jim get separated. Huck decides to play what trick on Jim?
3. As a result of this trick, explain the following:
a. What was Jim's response when he discovers the truth?
b. What was Huck compelled to do?
c. What epiphany does Huck have about Jim?
4. As they head for their destination, why does Huck begin to feel guilty?
5. What does Jim say he is going to do that appalls Huck?
6. What clue does Twain give that Jim is smarter than the reader might think? What does he say to
Huck right before Huck talks to the slavehunters? Use a textual quote as proof.
7. In what clever manner does Huck secure Jim's safety?
8. Ironically, what do the men give Huck?
9. What advice do they have for Huck in the next town they go to, and what does this reveal about
mankind?
10. How does Huck reconcile his upbringing with his feelings for Jim?
11. What discovery do Huck and Jim make about their destination?
12. What other bad luck happens on that muddy night?
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