Huckleberry Finn Study Questions

"Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." -- Mark Twain

Answer the following sets of study questions. Be sure to use proper study question answer form.

Questions for Chapters 11-12-13

1. What information does Huck gather during his time on the Illinois shore?

2. The first five days/nights on the raft could be termed "idyllic." Give several examples to prove this point.

3. Discuss Huck's concept of "borrowin'." How is this an example of the struggle between Huck's sense of morality and his background?

4. How does the sequence aboard the Walter Scott show (once again) the contrast between make-believe and reality?

5. Chapters 12 and 13 contain new people who Huck encounters along the river. all of these people have character defects. Identify these people and discuss their flaws.

Questions for Chapters 17-20

1. Although Huck is impressed by the Grangerfords' home, further examination reveals how Twain uses the scene in a satirical way. What is your (real) impression of the interior of the Grangerford home?

2. What caused the Grangerford-Shepherdson fued?

3. What part of chapter 18 is like the Romeo & Juliet story?

4. What happens to the grangerford men (as a result of the fued)? How does this illustrate Twain's theme of "man's inhumanity to his fellow man?"

5. Where has Jim been while Huck has been with the Grangerfords?

6. Two men join Huck and Jim on the raft. Who do they claim to be?

7. How do the King and Duke plan to make money?

8. While they are in Parkville, what does the Duke do to make money (while the townspeople are away)? What does the King do at the camp meeting? How much does each man make?

9. How does the duke "fix it" so they don't have to hide Jim anymore?

Questions for Chapters 25-29

1. How does the king get information about Peter wilks (and his relatives and friends) that allows him to begin a fraudulent scheme?

2. The King and the Duke convince the Wilks girls and the townspeople that they are Harvey and William Wilks. Give some examples of the ploys they use to "convince" everyone.

3. What observations does Dr. Robinson have about the "brothers?"

4. How does GREED play a part in the King's and Duke's decision not to leave right away with the cash?

5. Huck steals the gold. What does he do with it?

6. Why does the sale of the slaves upset the Wilks girls (and the town)? How does the sale work to Huck's advantage?

7. Briefly, what is Huck's plan to thwart the frauds' swindle (and allow Huck and Jim to escape)?

8. When the real Harvey and William Wilks arrive how do the townsfolk attampt to determine which pair is telling the truth? How does this lead to Huck's escape?

9. During this whole section Huck has let some of his opinions be known to the reader regarding what he thinks of the swindle being perpetrated by the King and Duke. Find at least two occasions where he offers an opinion, and give his exact words.

Questions for Chapters 37-40

1. How do Tom and Huck confust the Phelps'? What is their purpose in doing this?

2. What "plans" does Tom come up with in chapter 38?

3. How does Aunt Sally react to snakes?

4. How does Jim react to rats, spiders, and snakes in his cabin? Why does Tom say these critters are necessary?

5. What occurance forces the boys to set the escape in motion?

6. What finally ensures the escape will be a difficult as possible?

7. How does Huck find out abou the "15 gun totin' farmers" in the Phelps' parlor?

8. When Jim, Tom, and Huck escape what happens to Tom? How do Huck and Jim react?