Littell 1
Name_________________________
Littell
English___________ Block________
Date__________________________
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Analysis Essay
Although Mark Twain warns us that anyone caught trying to analyze his novel will “be
shot,” it is obvious that, through the self-reliant Huck Finn, Twain speaks on several
moral issues. Write an essay that analyzes one of Mark Twain’s lessons about
humanity. Use evidence (quotes, symbols, and events) to support a thesis. Identify what
Huck’s experiences teach him.
Directions: You will submit the following assignments on the prompt below.
1. Outline (5 points) – includes thesis
2. Rough draft (5 points) – brought to class;
(if absent, must find peer reviewer to make corrections on paper for credit and shown to
Ms. Littell at the next class)
3.
4.
5.
6.
Peer review (done on your paper) – part of submission grade with essay
Final typed copy – part of submission grade with essay
Electronic copy to turnitin.com – part of submission grade with essay
Reflection and highlights on final copy – part of submission grade with essay
Prompts: Write an essay on one of the following prompts.
1. Analyze the development of Huck throughout the novel.
Analyze how Huck’s adventures shape his personality, opinions, and morals.
Identify how his ideas of right and wrong evolve as a result of his experiences.
2. Analyze the development of one of the themes throughout the novel
Civilization vs. “natural life”: Analyze how Huck Finn’s independence allows
him to grow beyond the simplistic and often erroneous beliefs of those around
him. How does his self-reliance also enable him to achieve his goals in spite of
adversity?
Racism and Slavery: How does the racism in Huck’s society affect his
perceptions of right and wrong? What does Huck learn about slavery and racism
through his adventures with Jim?
Truth and Deception: What rules does Huck develop in relation to deception?
What forms of deception does he consider acceptable, and what forms does he
come to despise? Why? What does this show about his growth as a human
being?
Religion/Superstition: How does Huck perceive the relationships of others with
God to be distinct from his own? How does he test his theories on the
supernatural? What conclusions does Huck come to about God? Why are these
conclusions significant?
(See back for reflections and highlight done on the paper.)
Littell 2
Reflection and highlights to be completed before class:
Highlights –
1. Color essay green, yellow, and red according to writing rules.
a. For green, color the thesis in the introductory and concluding paragraphs.
Color topic sentences only in body paragraphs. (one per paragraph)
b. Remember, the red is only for concrete detail and not the commentary.
2. Circle two vocabulary words from level G book used.
3. Underline the sentence that has the most mature construction on your essay.
Reflection –
1. Which part of this essay was the easiest to write?
2. Which part of this essay was the hardest to write?
3. What part of the essay displays your insight into the character/theme
development?
Have ready to paper clip the following (in this order):
1. Rubric
2. Final copy
3. Peer review
4. Rough draft
5. Outline
6. This sheet with reflection questions answered