.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

 

A Web quest for AP English III

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Designed by

Karen Renner

krenner@frionaisd.com

 

Introduction

Task

Process

Evaluation

Conclusion

Credits

 

 

 

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Introduction

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is considered controversial by many critics of the book. Why is it so controversial? Why do so many people object to this book?  As you read this book, you will need to consider the questions raised  by so many.  Should  students in the 21st century read Huck Finn? Why or why not?

 

 

 

 

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Task
Your task is to explore different controversial elements in the novel.  You will divide into different groups:  one group will explore the contemporary criticisms of Huck Finn; another group will explore modern criticisms of the novel; a third group will examine racism both from a historical perspective and a modern perspective; the fourth group will examine stereotypes; and the last group will analyze the novel as satire.  After you have completed your tasks, you will create one of the products listed in the next section.

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Process
You will divide into groups of four. Each group will examine a different topic using both internet resources and printed resources. Here are some ideas for focus questions and sites for each topic. You may explore different sites if you wish using a search engine.  In addition, formulate at least two questions of your own.

1.   Contemporary criticism of Huck Finn:  You should read some examples of both contemporary and modern criticisms to see how they have changed over the years.

  • What were some objections that readers in the nineteenth century had for the novel?
  • How does knowing about the history of the controversy color your reading of the book?

Your own questions:

 

Internet sites:

Product:  Choose one of the following products to illustrate what you have learned.

  • Construct a timeline that shows the different challenges Huck Finn has faced since it was published.  For each challenge, the timeline should include quotes from detractors as well as from defenders.
  • Choose one of the challenges made against the book and design a poster to express that point of view. 
  • For both of these options, you will be required to explain your timeline or poster in class.

 

2.  Modern criticism of Huck Finn:  You should also read some examples of both contemporary and modern criticisms.

  • Why is the teaching and reading of the novel so controversial today?
  • Under what circumstances, if any, do you think a book should be taken off a school's reading list and/or out of its library?

Your own questions:

 

Internet sites:

Product:  Choose one of the following products to illustrate what you have learned.

  •  
    • Construct a timeline that shows the different challenges Huck Finn has faced since it was published.  For each challenge, the timeline should include quotes from detractors as well as from defenders.
    • Choose one of the challenges made against the book and design a poster to express that point of view. 
    • For both of these options, you will be required to explain your timeline or poster in class.

       

3.  Racism

  • What is racism?  Is it a belief?  Is it an action?
  • What causes racism?  What beliefs do people invoke to try to justify racism?  In what kinds of situations do we see or find racism?

Your own questions:

 

Internet sites:

Product:  Choose one of the following products to illustrate what you have learned.

  • Stage a mock trial with the book or Mark Twain as defendant.  Present evidence you have been gathering.  Write a script for your trial to be handed in before your trial.
  • Explore the question in a talk show format featuring Huck, Jim, Twain, and anyone else you believe might add to the answer.  Write a script  for your talk show to be handed in before your presentation.
  • Write a letter to Mark Twain suggesting a different ending to the story which resolves the issue of racism.  Be prepared to share with the class how you would end the story.

4.  Stereotypes

  • What are stereotypes?  Why and how are they formed?  Form a working definition of stereotype.
  • How were stereotypes  used to justify slavery?  To reassure slave owners?
  • How have slave stereotypes influenced portrayals of African-Americans today?

Your own questions:

 

Internet sites:

Product:  Choose one of the following products to illustrate what you have learned.

  • Consider portrayals of African-Americans in movies, television, and advertising today.  What are common stereotypes?  Are these stereotypes related to slave stereotypes?  As you examine your topic through books, magazine articles, and the Internet, contemplate these questions.  Then write a letter to the editor, draw a political cartoon, or create a pictorial collage that details what you found and your opinion of it.  Be prepared to explain your product in class.
  • After reading the Dunbar poem, explain how it reflects or reveals the "mask" in an essay or drawing.  Be prepared to explain both the poem and your product in class.

 

5.  The novel as satire

  • Define satire.
  • Why do you think the author chose Huck -- an illiterate young boy -- as the voice through which he told the story?
  • Who uses the word "nigger"? Based on who is speaking, what might have been the effect on a nineteenth century reader?  What do you think Twain is saying in how he uses the word?

Your own questions:

 

 

Internet sites:

  • Look at some of the sites of contemporary and modern criticism and think about whether the authors of the negative criticism understood that the novel was satire.

Product:  Choose one of the following products to illustrate what you have learned.

  • Find and identify at least five scenes in which Twain uses satire most effectively.  Compile a chart or other visual in which you show the following:  Twain's view of the society he is portraying; how he is using satire; and how you can tell. Explain to the class how you arrived at your conclusions.
  • Construct a map of Huck's and Jim's journey down the Mississippi.  Illustrate how their experiences differ on the raft and on the shore in "civilization."  What is Twain saying by creating this division?  On your map show the most important events in the novel and include a significant quote at each map point.  Your map should visually express the symbolic differences between the river and "civilization".

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Evaluation

Criteria

Possible Points

Student Assessment

Teacher Assessment

Research

 15
Participation
     On time
     On task		 10
Group 1
     Data collection
     Timeline or poster		 50
Group 2
     Data collection
     Timeline or poster		 50
Group 3
     Data collection
     Script or letter		 50
Group 4
      Data collection
      Cartoon, letter, drawing		 50
Group 5
     Data collection
     Map or chart		 50
Oral Presentation 25


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Conclusion

Is Huck Finn a racist book filled with negative stereotypes?  What was Twain saying about society in the nineteenth century?  Should this novel be taught in the 21st century?  Hopefully, this project has answered some of these difficult questions for you.

 

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Credits

Huck Finn Teacher's Guide

Censorship and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain: Emancipation Theme

 

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