The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain
Why Read It? "All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn." - Ernest Hemingway, Green Hills of Africa
Why Read It? Great literary critic Lionel Trilling marked Huck Finn as "one of the world's great books and one of the central documents of American culture" Author T. S. Eliot declared it "a masterpiece"
Controversy In the long controversy that has been Huckleberry Finn's history, the novel has been criticized, censored, and banned for an array of perceived failings, including obscenity, atheism, bad grammar, coarse manners, low moral tone, and antisouthernism. Every bit as diverse as the reasons for attacking the novel, Huck Finn's detractors encompass parents, critics, authors, religious fundamentalists, rightwing politicians, and even librarians.
Controversy The language used –Written in the vernacular – language native to the region; dialect –Use of controversial words Racial relationships –Young white boy and runaway slave –Treatment of African-Americans Twain’s portrayal of people – stereotypes –Southerners –Christians – Slaves – Criminals
The Language Read the essay by Bobby Ann Mason
The Language What are some of the unique expressions or words that Mason says Twain uses? Do you recognize them? What are some unique expressions or words that you use today?
But Was He a Racist? Read the essay by David Bradley.
But Was He a Racist? Does Bradley believe we should read novels like Huckleberry Finn? Why should we? What are some benefits to reading these types of novels? What are some problems with reading these types of novels?
Connotation VS Denotation
Connotation – idea or notion suggested by or associated with a word, phrase, etc. in addition to its explicit meaning VS Denotation – the direct, explicit meaning or reference of a word or term
Mark Twain on Slavery “In my schoolboy days I had no aversion to slavery. I was not aware that there was anything wrong about it. The local papers said nothing against it; the local pulpit taught us that God approved it, that it was a holy thing, and that the doubter need only look in the Bible if he wished to settle his mind - and then the texts were read aloud to us to make the matter sure; if the slaves themselves had an aversion to slavery they were wise and said nothing.”
What do you think? Do you believe it is important for high school students to read novels like Huckleberry Finn that are controversial due to their language and subject matter? Why or why not? Write at least half a page.