Realism, Mark Twain, and the making of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Part I: Realism

Realism A literary movement from Emphasized the abolition of slavery. Debated legal rights vs. human rights. Plots tend be both dramatic and realistic. Literature echoed the slave debate that was ongoing during the Civil War.

Core Beliefs of Realism South: slavery was necessary for the agricultural industry. North: slavery was a cruel and violated the rights of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Enslaved people wrote autobiographies about the horror of slavery as well as their desire for freedom.

Part II: Mark Twain

Early Years Born November 30, 1835 in Joplin, Missouri. Born the same day Halley’s comet passed the earth. Given name “Samuel Clemens.” Father was a printer. Father died when Twain was eleven of pneumonia. Known for mischievousness such as rolling boulders at oncoming wagons.

Early Years of Independence Dropped out of school and became a typesetter. Worked for his brother Orion as his assistant at a newspaper. Wrote short stories for fun and eventually published in the Saturday Evening Post in 1852.

Life on the Mississippi 1857, at the age of 21, moved to New Orleans in search of adventure and became a steamboat pilot assistant earned steamboat pilot license. Pilot career ended in 1861 with the outbreak of the Civil War. Life as a pilot later described in his book Life on the Mississippi Adopted the name “Mark Twain” after a steamboat term meaning “two fathoms deep.”

Gold Rush Years Moves to Nevada with brother Henry who is appointed acting governor by President Lincoln. Becomes fascinated by the greed out West. Leaves the territory after fleeing from a gun duel with a local bandit.

The Author Years Publishes “The Celebrated Jumping Frog in Calaveras County” to acclaim in 1865 Lectures across the United States for his wit and personality Marries Elvira Livy in 1869 Publishes Tom Sawyer in Publishes The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in 1884.

Twain’s Late Life During the last 15 years of his life Twain suffered bankruptcy, the death of his wife, and children, and the publishing of twenty-four novels. He became excruciating bitter and depressed. Twain moved to Connecticut and dies of ill health on April 21, Twain always said “he would come in and go out with Halley’s Comet.” Remarkably, his prediction came true, because the night of his funeral the comet flew overhead in the night sky – the second time in 76 years.

America’s First Standup Comic: Famous Quotes By Twain On Congress: “Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.” On Lying: “A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.” On Growing Old: “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter “ On Cauliflower: “Cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education.” On School: “Don't let schooling interfere with your education.”

Part III: Huck Finn

The Plot Huck Finn Originally written as the sequel to Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn is Twain’s real masterpiece. The book is the story of Huck Finn, a boy who flees his father by rafting down the Mississippi River. He is accompanied on his journey by a runaway slave named Jim. The book portrays many of the evils that are present in men and women, as well as integral conflict and a sense of ethics as Huck battles between breaking the law and helping Jim escape.

Themes within the Text Through the use of satire, or making fun of society to bring about change, Twain criticizes feuds, orphans, parents, school, robbery, carnivals, and religion. Twain biggest criticism is for the institution of slavery through Huck’s decision whether or not to return Jim to his master. Another big theme is the difference between the river (freedom) and the shore (society). On the river Huck and Jim are free men, on the shore they are controlled by society.

Dialect within the Novel Twain extensively uses dialect, or the authentic language of a culture. The novel has been criticized for the use of the word “nigger” in reference to Jim. Critics believe that Twain uses the word out of prejudice. Defenders suggest Twain was using the authentic language of the time.

Your Choice You are not required to read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. This week we will be discussing the themes in the novel. If you choose NOT to read the novel, you have the option to read Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, a slave autobiography. On Mr. Sun-K’s website you will find a form for you to download that needs to be signed by you and your parents by Monday 3/17 that signifies you will: NOT be reading “Huck Finn” WILL be reading “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl” BE REQUIRED to complete the assignments for the alternative book for your grade for this unit.

Please Stand for Think on Your Feet