1.) Freedom: There are many kinds of freedom and bondage. What different kinds are there? Note which different aspects of freedom bondage appear in the novel. After you have grouped them, look at your data for each set. What does each set of examples seem to be showing?
Explain that there are several different kinds of freedom/bondage shown in the novel Huckleberry Finn. Specify what they are.
Write one paragraph for each of the different types you found. As a format for each paragraph, you could make a statement about the kind of freedom/bondage you will discuss in the paragraph and then use the examples you found in the book to support and explain Your statement.
After you have completed the paragraphs in the body of your composition concluding paragraph (based on the information you have just presented) explaining what you think Twain intended to point out about the theme of freedom. 2.) Religion: Different characters in the book have different opinions about religion, and through those characters, Twain
also gives his opinions.
Categorize the opinions by character. After you have done so, look at the examples of what each character says or does relating to the theme of religion. Jot down your notes about each character’s views on the topic.
What do you think Twain’s view is?
Introductory paragraph: explain that religion is one of the major themes in the novel Huckleberry Finn and point out that Twain has given the characters in the book definite opinions on the subject through which Twain’s own opinions can be heard.
Write one paragraph for each character who has opinions about religion. Write a topic sentence stating who the character is and what his/her opinion of religion seems to be. Use the specific examples you found in the text to support your statements.
Concluding paragraph: tell what you think Twain’s opinion was, based on the information you have just set forth.
3.) Superstition: Most of the references to superstitions in the book are put forth by Huck and Jim. Group examples from the novel per character. What are Huck’s attitudes towards superstitions? What are Jim’s? Compar and Contrast the views Huck and Jim have of superstitions.
Introductory paragraph: introduce the idea that superstition is one of the themes in the novel and that most of the theme is developed through Huck and Jim. State briefly the main way(s) their attitudes towards superstitions are different.
Explore Jim’s attitudes towards superstitions and Huck’s attitudes about it. Use the specific examples you have gathered to support your statements.
Concluding paragraph: in which you tell what you think Twain was trying to point out through his use of superstition in the book.
4.) Education: There are two main ideas presented about this topic. Some characters think book learning is more important than practical knowledge from/about life experiences, and some characters think vice versa. Group data into these two categories. Then, make notes about which characters believe schooling is more important and which characters believe practical knowledge from life experiences is more important. What do you think Twain believed?
Introductory paragraph: introduce the idea that one of the conflicts the story is book learning versus practical knowledge from life experiences and that Twain uses his characters to set forth his views on this topic.
Write one paragraph for each character about whom you have collected data. Write a topic sentence telling that character’s views about education and then use examples from the text you have collected to support your statement.
Concluding paragraph: tell what you think Twain’s point was about education, based on the information you have just compiled.
5.) Nature: There is a basic conflict between nature and civilization. Look at references to nature. What kinds of things happen when the characters are in nature, away from civilization? Think back to the story and jot down a few notes about what things happen when the characters are back in “civilization.” Judging from this data, what do you think Twain was
• g to tell us about nature, civilization, and people?
erhaps
Pintroductory paragraph: introduce the idea that nature versus civilization is one of the main conflicts in Huckleberry F-
Detail what kinds of events take place in nature in the story and detail what kinds of things happen in civilization. Concluding paragraph: explain what you think Twain was trying to tell us through the actions of his characters.
Explain that there are several different kinds of freedom/bondage shown in the novel Huckleberry Finn.
