1.
Write a short paper in which you contrast
Huck’s and Tom’s approaches to the escape.
What do we see about the boys? About Huck’s growth as a character? About romantics vs.
realists??? (500 words; due March 6).
2. Vocabulary:
1.
Misnomer: A name wrongly or
unsuitably applied to a person or to an object.
2.
Narcissist: One who is
excessively preoccupied with himself; an extremely self-centered person.
3.
Nirvana: An ideal condition of
harmony, stability, or joy.
4.
Non sequitur: A statement that
does not follow logically from the one that precedes it.
5.
Nouveau riche: Characterized by
newly acquired wealth, especially when it is flaunted.
6.
Oblivion: The condition of being
completely forgotten;
a condition of total forgetfulness.
7.
Ogle: To stare at something,
especially in a desirous or impertinent manner.
8.
Panacea: A remedy for all
diseases, evils, or difficulties; a cure-all.
9.
Paradox: A statement that seems
to contradict itself but that nonetheless may be
true.
10.
Peevish: Discontented or
irritable.
3. Writing: Write an essay in which you
discuss the book as a journey from point A to point B. You will define the nature of the beginning
and end points, the nature of the changes that take place, the significance of
the story for Huck and perhaps for American civilization in the “Gilded Age” (1,000
words; due March 13).
4. Heads-Up!!!
Beginning
in April, you will be writing a 10 page magnum opus—a research paper on any
topic related to American history and/or literature of the 17th through 19th centuries. You should start thinking about your topic
NOW so that when the time comes, you will be ready to roll.
Talk to me about ideas—I LOVE brainstorming (and, of course, I
love you, too!)