ENGLISH 11AA: Summer
Ms. Dillon
Assignment
EMAIL: mdillon@augusta.k12.va.us or ms.m.dillon@gmail.com
WEBSITE: msdillonengclass.blogspot.com
Reading HW: “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn ” By Mark Twain – Chapters 1-30
As you read chapters 1-30 in the novel, complete THREE of the following in a notebook, which will be
dedicated to English class in the fall: (Due First Day of School!)
A: Take chapter notes by summarizing each chapter in your journal as you read. (counts as
2 of your 3 required assignments, but notes must be at least a full paragraph in length for
each chapter)
B: Write a character analysis of one of the major characters of the novel – In your introduction, briefly
describe this character and state their purpose/main role in the novel. Then back up that statement with
facts from the novel.
C. Create a soundtrack for Huck’s journey down river. Choose at least 5 songs that fit the circumstances
and trials faced by Huck. For each song chosen, write down the title, artist, and reasoning behind why
you chose it and how it fits.
D. Create a picture collage made up of images that represent major themes and motifs of the novel. Add
words to help explain, but put effort into creating a truly symbolic, artistically pleasing piece of art.
E. Map Huck’s journey down river, plotting physical settings and events on the map to best capture his
travels. (print or draw the actual map)
F. Compare Huck and Tom. Explain their similarities and differences in complete, detailed sentences,
using proof from the novel to back up your points.
G. List four examples of vivid imagery created by Twain in chapters 1-30. Next to each, paste a picture
from a magazine or the internet that best visually captures what Twain described in words.
H. Write an interview between Oprah Winfrey and any of the characters in the novel. Write the dialog
between them. Keep it realistic to the characters experiences and personality.
I. Write a letter from Huck to another character in the book in Huck’s dialect. Make sure to stay true to
Huck’s character and use his common way of speaking.
J. Research the Missouri Compromise and explain the history of it in your own words and its significance
to this novel.
K. Mark Twain wrote this novel after the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of the Civil War. If that
is so, what is his purpose in writing about slavery? What themes and lessons does he present about race
and prejudice? Prove using details from the novel.
L. American writer, Ernest Hemingway said, “All modern American literature comes from one book by
Mark Twain called “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” What do you think he meant by this?
M. What superstitions are found in the novel? Are these realistic for the setting? Are they similar to
superstitions held today? Why does Mark Twain include so many superstitions?
N. Write a poem inspired by a character or event or theme of the novel.
O. Find an article online that advocates keeping “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” out of
schools. Then, in your journal, write the title of the article, the author, the website where you found
it, and a brief summary and critique of the writer’s major points.
P. Compare what you know about the history of slavery in America and compare that to how Twain
showcases slavery in the novel.
Q. Mark Twain uses several symbols in the novel to represent large concepts and ideas. Draw one of
these symbols in your journal and explain what it stands for and how.
R. Choose a significant event in the novel and turn that event into a short script for a play. Write out
the dialog and stage directions in order to recapture what happened in the form of a dramatic
performance.
S. Create a comic strip that depicts one of the major events in the novel.
T. Satire – In this novel, Mark Twain uses satire to showcase serious social problems of his time in a
humorous way. If Mark Twain tried to do the same thing today on Saturday Night Live, what might
his skit look like? Describe one that would work in the same way “The Adventures of Huckleberry
Finn” does.
U. Write the background story to the Duke or King. Create a real name for the character, a
childhood, and a reason for being in the situation he is in by the time Huck meets him.
V. Write a diary entry in Jim’s voice. Make it realistic to Jim’s character, way of speaking, and
situation.
W. One of the major criticisms of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has been that the character Jim is only a
racist stereotype and that students will come away from the book with a negative image of him - and African
Americans in general. Is there truth to this belief? Explain why or why not.
X. List as many examples of irony from the novel that you can find. Make sure to be detailed enough in each entry
to firmly explain what you are referencing.
Y. Research the Mark Twain’s actual experience with slavery in his life and explain how those experiences might
have impacted the writing of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
Z. Create a “Most Wanted” article for one of the characters in the book. The article must detail why the police are
looking for the individual, a description of the person, and the details surrounded attempts to capture him.
AA. List 5 lines from the novel that represent Twain’s sense of humor. Next to each, explain what makes it funny.
BB. Answer the following question in detail: Should “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” be taught in schools?
Why or why not?
CC. Answer the following question in detail: Why does Mark Twain use the “n-word”? How did you feel each time
you came across it in the novel? Was it offensive? Should it be removed from the book?
DD: Describe the “Huck Finn” or “Tom Sawyer” in your life. Change names to protect identities, but tell of people
you know and how they are similar to either Huck Finn or Tom Sawyer. Or maybe a person who is similar to the
Duke or King. How do you feel about this person and how they fit into modern society?
Writing Assignment: A Representation of Your Best Skills
Part 1: Write one creative piece - poem or short story – which showcases your skills to describe, detail,
interest, and inspire a reader.
Part 2: Write one opinion piece which showcases your skills to make a point and prove it with details.
These pieces are expected to be edited, revised, and turned in as a final draft.
Look on Ms. Dillon’s class blog for ideas on what to write about and for tips on how to complete
these activities.
Writing Assignment Due by August 4th. Turn in your writing by emailing it to ms.m.dillon@gmail.com
or mdillon@augusta.k12.va.us. You can also bring it to the school’s main office and leave it with “English 11AA”
and your name written on the front page.
Extra Credit:
Make a list of 5 novels you are interested in reading. Start by researching Young Adult Best Sellers and New York
Times Best Sellers on Amazon.com, then, in an email or in your journal, for each of the 5 novels, write down the
title, author, and your reason for wanting to read it.
The IMPORTANCE of Summer Work
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You must have this work completed and with you on the first day of your 11AA class. Please have
the novel with you as well. This assignment will count as your first grade and as a testament that
you are dedicated and ready for 11AA English. If you do not complete this assignment and have it
to show me on the first day next year, we will talk about your ability to complete the course
sufficiently and you may be encouraged to then talk to your counselor about leaving 11AA.
This assignment serves as a model of the work you will be completing throughout the year in
11AA. If you believe it is too difficult or you are unsure of how you could handle an assignment
like this during the school year, please see Ms. Dillon in room 40 or your school counselor.
Contacting Your Teacher:
If you need help over the summer, feel free to contact your teacher at the email address below. You are
welcome to ask questions about the at-home reading and the expectations of the year to come. You can
also just say hello.
Ms. Dillon – ms.m.dillon@gmail.com
Enjoy your summer!
I am excited to teach you this coming year!