1.
1.
Discuss Huck’s confusion regarding his “conscience.” Incorporate
an explanation of
the “smallpox” episode that follows Huck’s decision to turn Jim in.
2. What does Huck observe about society in the
episode of the Grangerfords and the Shepherdsons?
3. Describe the idyllic interludes Jim and Huck
share as they drift along alone on the raft.
Incorporate phrases from the book into your description.
4. Discuss Huck’s ironic observations of
religion in these chapters. Comment on
the theme that is developing of the conflict between individual conscience and
social morality.
5. Is Sherburn superior to the other men in the
town?
6. Narrate the tale of the King and the Duke and
Shakespeare—be as funny as you like (and you might want to speculate on how
anyone could fall for their scam).
2. Vocabulary:
1. Equivocate:
To use vague or ambiguous language in order to avoid committing oneself
to a position or to deceive someone.
2. Esoteric:
Intended for or understood by only a restricted number of people.
3. Euphemism:
A mild, indirect, or vague word used instead of one considered harsh,
blunt, or offensive.
4. Fait accompli: An accomplished, presumably irreversible deed
or fact.
5. Fastidious:
Possessing or displaying meticulous attention to detail.
6. Faux pas:
A social blunder.
7. Fiasco:
A complete failure.
8. Finagle:
To obtain or achieve something by cleverness or deviousness, especially
in using words.
9. Freudian slip: A verbal mistake that is thought to reveal an
unconscious belief, thought, or emotion.
10. Glib:
Performed with a natural, offhand ease; an ease that suggests
insincerity, superficiality, or deceitfulness.
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!).