1.
1. In chapter one,
Huck introduces himself by differentiating himself from the widow and Miss
Watson. Explain the practices of the
women that he does not understand.
Discuss the reason he feels so isolated and apart from them.
2.
Although Huck tells us about Tom Sawyer in chapter two, he actually
reveals more about himself. What does his
admiration of Tom reveal about Huck?
3.
Explain Huck’s reasoning about
4.
What is revealed about Jim’s understanding of faith, prophecy and fate?
5.
Characterize Pap and discuss qualities he may share with Huck.
6.
Explain Jim’s reasoning about his net worth.
7.
Describe the island and the life Jim and Huck lead there.
8.
Describe the character of the woman in the shack who “sees through” Huck’s
disguise.
9.
Explain the moral philosophy of “borrowing.”
10. Explain and evaluate Jim’s argument about
linguistics.
11. What happens in the fog? What does Huck do to Jim? And why is the conclusion of the episode so
significant?
2. Vocabulary:
1. Charisma: Exceptional
personal magnetism or charm.
2.
Cloying: Causing distaste or
disgust because of an excess of something originally pleasant.
3. Déjà
vu: An impression of having seen or
experienced something before.
4. Dichotomy: A division into two contrasting things or
parts.
5.
Dilettante: A person with a
superficial interest in an art or field of knowledge; a dabbler.
6.
Disheveled (or dishevelled): Being in loose disarray; marked by disorder;
untidy.
7. Elan: Enthusiastic
vigor and liveliness; distinctive style or flair.
8.
Ennui: Listlessness and
dissatisfaction resulting from lack of interest; boredom.
9.
Epitome: The best or most
representative example of a class or type.
10. Equanimity: The quality of being calm and even-tempered; composure.
3. Writing: Your
next essay will be an exploration of American Romanticism. The essay will begin by defining the movement
and discussing its characteristic elements.
It will discuss two of the authors or poets that we have read, giving
relevant information about their lives, educations, and historical context. Your thesis will focus the paper on a single
salient part of the topic: i.e. a religious view, a philosophical attitude, a
political movement, etc. (2,000 words; due February 19).
In order to write an intelligent and informative paper,
you will consult at least four outside sources of information, not including
Wikipedia. You will follow MLA
guidelines for documentation. Papers
that are submitted without in-text parenthetical notes and works cited pages
will receive a grade of F, regardless of brilliance.
Your outline, thesis statement, and introduction are due
Thursday, January 31. The Works Cited
page and at least 10 note-cards are due on Tuesday, February 5. A completed rough draft is due on Thursday,
February 14 (happy Valentines Day!).