The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Chapters 1,2,3

Bellringer: What does this quote from Huck reveal about Twain’s personal feelings about the south during this time?

“They get down on a thing when they don’t know nothing about it” (4).

**Remember, this is the author's way of adding his own personal feelings into the text, and questioning the long-held beliefs of people in the south. He disagrees with their lifestyle, and has been questioning why they are so willing to accept these evils.

Recap: We began with making a close reading web for chapters 1,2 and 3.

This will help us to begin discovering the author's purpose. In these first few chapters, it is to establish Huck's need for adventure, and his willingness to questions everything. 

We then held a discussion seminar. The notes for this are posted below, and we will continue with them tomorrow. Nice job!

We will continue this discussion tomorrow. Please be sure to read chapters 4,5,6 tonight for homework. If you are designated to lead the discussion on any of those chapters tomorrow, please come prepared with your discussion questions.

Have a nice evening!

Z

Samuel Clemens AKA Mark Twain

Bellringer: Who is Samuel Clemens?

Recap: As we've discussed before, in order to understand the purpose behind The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, we first need to understand the author. Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) incorporated many of his own beliefs and opinions into his work. Huck Finn, in particular, provides many of his opinions towards imperialism and slavery in the south. 

We began our exploration into understanding the author by viewing a Mini Bio of Samuel Clemens. This provided a general overview and key ideas that needed to be understood.

We then read through a more in-depth biography on the official web site: The Mark Twain House and Museum. Please read through the Biography, and then, under "the House" take the virtual tour. Clemens became very wealthy in his lifetime, but due to overspending, died a broke man. (This can be seen in his lavish home.) 

Clemens lived through the industrialization of the United States, the Civil War, and an end to slavery. All of these ideas becoming prevalent in his writing. 

Our exploration was rounded out by reading about his time on the Mississippi River as a Riverboat Pilot. In order to truly comprehend Huck and Jim's adventure down the river, it is best to gain an understanding of the river itself, as it takes on its own character in the story. Please read section II about "Old Times on the Mississippi" as presented in the scrapbook by PBS. 

Homework: Please read chapters 1,2 and 3 tonight. We will hold a discussion and seminar tomorrow, so come prepared to take notes. Beginning Wednesday, you will be asked to prepare discussion questions on an assigned chapter and lead a class discussion on your chapter. 

Have a nice evening! I've really missed you all!

Z