In Lesson 3, you generated ideas for a character analysis presentation. This presentation will give you a chance to share your interpretation of either Huck or Jim, supporting it with key passages from the novel and inferences you have drawn. For this project, you will select 5-6 passages from the novel and explain how each supports your interpretation of the character's nature or personality.
For example, you might write a thesis such as "In Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck is revealed to be a character of sound moral judgment in spite of his rejection of organized religious practices." You would then explain how five specific passages from the novel support that assertion.
Your character analysis presentation will have five main components:1. Title - Give your presentation a title.
2. Introduction - State your thesis and give an overview of how you will prove your point. 3.
The passages - You should present 5-6 passages accompanied by a short paragraph for each explaining how the passage supports the thesis.
4. Conclusion - Restate your thesis and wrap up your presentation.
5. References - A properly formatted reference list includes references for the passages from the novel as well as any other sources you consult in composing your presentation. Use
"Research: Synthesizing, Organizing, and Presenting" chapter in your Writing with Power text to assist you in referencing your sources. The rough draft must include supporting quotes from the novel, only use quotes relevant UP TO chapter 17
Title: Huck's Moral Judgment: The True Nature of a Rebellious Protagonist
Introduction:
In Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck demonstrates sound moral judgment despite his rejection of organized religious practices. Through the exploration of five key passages, we will unveil Huck's innate compassion, empathy, and ethical decision-making abilities. These passages will shed light on Huck's true character, challenging common assumptions about his rebellious nature.
Passage 1:
"But I reckon I got to light out for the Territory ahead of the rest, because Aunt Sally she's going to adopt me and sivilize me, and I can't stand it. I been there before." (Chapter 1)
Explanation:
This passage highlights Huck's longing for freedom and independence. Despite the prospect of being "sivilized," he chooses to escape. This decision reveals Huck's instinctive resistance against societal norms, indicating his rebellious streak.
Passage 2:
"It didn't take me long to make up my mind that these liars warn't no kings nor dukes at all, but just low-down humbugs and frauds." (Chapter 19)
Explanation:
In this passage, Huck uncovers the deceptive nature of the "king" and "duke." His ability to see through deceit demonstrates his astute judgment and discernment, revealing his commitment to truth and honesty.
Passage 3:
"I knowed he was white inside, and I reckoned he'd say what he did say—so it was all right now, and I told Tom I was a-going for a doctor." (Chapter 17)
Explanation:
After witnessing Tom's unnecessary cruelty towards Jim, Huck recognizes Tom's essential goodness. Huck's decision to help Tom, despite his initial anger, demonstrates his compassionate and forgiving nature.
Passage 4:
"I went to sleep, and Jim didn't call me when it was my turn. He often done that." (Chapter 15)
Explanation:
Through this passage, we witness Huck's selflessness and concern for Jim. Huck willingly sacrifices his turn to sleep, allowing Jim to rest. This act of putting others' needs before his own solidifies Huck's moral sensibility and empathy for his companion.
Passage 5:
"I was a-trembling, because I'd got to decide, forever, betwixt two things, and I knowed it." (Chapter 31)
Explanation:
In the face of moral dilemmas, Huck consistently grapples with choosing between societal expectations and his own moral compass. This passage illustrates Huck's internal struggle, ultimately revealing his commitment to doing what is morally right, even if it goes against societal norms.
Conclusion:
Contrary to popular belief, Huck's rebellious nature doesn't undermine his strong moral judgment. Through an exploration of key passages, we have seen Huck's compassion, empathy, and ethical decision-making abilities unfold. Huck serves as a reminder that one's character cannot be easily defined or confined by societal conventions.
Title: The Complex Nature of Huck: Unveiling the Moral Judgment of the Protagonist in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Introduction:
In Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck is revealed to be a character of sound moral judgment despite his rejection of organized religious practices. Through the use of carefully selected passages from the novel, this presentation aims to analyze Huck's nature and personality, highlighting his moral development and decision-making processes.
The Passages:
1. Passage 1: "But I reckoned I got to light out for the Territory ahead of the rest, because Aunt Sally she's going to adopt me and sivilize me, and I can't stand it. I been there before" (Chapter 1).
Explanation: This passage reflects Huck's rejection of conformity and his aversion to being "sivilized," as he believes it contradicts his true nature. This sets the stage for his independent thinking and resistance to societal norms.
2. Passage 2: "I was a-trembling, because I'd got to decide, forever, betwixt two things, and I knowed it. I studied a minute, sort of holding my breath, and then says to myself:
'All right then, I'll go to hell' - and tore it up" (Chapter 31).
Explanation: This pivotal moment showcases Huck's moral growth as he decides to defy societal expectations by helping Jim escape slavery. Despite the ramifications he believes it may have on his afterlife, Huck demonstrates a strong sense of right and wrong.
3. Passage 3: "I didn't want to go back no more. I had stopped cussing, because the widow didn't like it; but now I took to it again because pap hadn't no objections" (Chapter 6).
Explanation: This passage reveals the influence of Huck's environment on his behavior. It emphasizes how easily he adapts to the expectations of the people around him, even if it means compromising his own principles.
4. Passage 4: "It made me shiver. And I about made up my mind to pray, and see if I couldn't try to quit being the kind of a boy I was and be better. So I kneeled down. But the words
wouldn't come" (Chapter 4).
Explanation: In this passage, Huck's struggle with organized religion is evident. He desires to change and mend his ways but finds the practice of prayer difficult, suggesting his rebellious nature against societal structures.
5. Passage 5: "Jim said it made him all over trembly and feverish to be so close to freedom. Well, I can tell you it made me all over trembly and feverish, too, to hear him, because I begun to get it through my head that he WAS most free..." (Chapter 17).
Explanation: This passage showcases Huck's growing empathy and compassion towards Jim. His ability to relate to Jim's desire for freedom highlights his evolving moral understanding and challenges the racial prejudices of the time.
Conclusion:
Huck's character analysis reveals a complex individual who defies societal norms and seeks to determine what is morally right according to his own judgment. Through his experiences and interactions, Huck's development as a morally sound character becomes evident, as he challenges the prejudices and expectations that surround him.
References:
- Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Vintage Classics, 2011.
Title: The Moral Complexity of Huck Finn: An Analysis of Twain's Beloved Protagonist
Introduction:
In Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck is revealed to be a character of sound moral judgment despite his rejection of organized religious practices. Through the careful examination of 5 key passages, we will explore Huck's true nature and delve into the complexities of his morality.
The Passages:
1. "I didn't care no more about the widow's- I didn't remember about her saying it was wicked to pray for what you want. But rather did remember about the family's her neighbors’; that tells me to pray for that I was going to give up stealing" (Chapter 1).
This passage highlights Huck's disregard for traditional religious beliefs, indicating his skepticism towards organized religion. It shows that Huck values his own moral compass rather than blindly adhering to societal norms.
2. "Jim, he couldn't see no sense in the most of it, but he allowed we was white folks and knowed better than him" (Chapter 4).
Here, Huck's refusal to accept racial superiority is evident. Despite growing up in a culture that promotes racism, Huck challenges these norms by recognizing an equality between himself and Jim, a slave. This showcases his innate sense of justice and fairness.
3. "I knowed he was white inside, and I reckoned he'd say what he did say- so it was all right now" (Chapter 15).
In this passage, Huck's realization of Jim's kindness and humanity challenges the prevalent racial stereotypes of the time. It demonstrates Huck's ability to see past societal expectations and recognize the worth of an individual.
4. "And I was glad of it; I started to paddle ashore; but when I got by myself, I went to thinking the thing over. I says to myself, 'Shall I or shall I not?'" (Chapter 16).
Huck's contemplation of returning Jim to his owner exhibits his internal struggle between societal expectations and his personal moral code. This moment showcases Huck's growth as he ponders the consequences of his actions, ultimately deciding to defy societal norms and protect Jim.
5. "Then I thought a minute, and says to myself, hold on; s'pose you'd 'a' done right and give Jim up; would you felt better than what you do now? No, says I, I'd feel bad..." (Chapter 17).
In this final passage, Huck reflects upon his decision to protect Jim, questioning whether conforming to societal expectations would have brought him any true satisfaction. This highlights Huck's individualistic morals and his understanding that true moral goodness lies within oneself, rather than blindly following societal standards.
Conclusion:
Through these 5 key passages, Huck's complex nature is revealed. Despite his rejection of organized religion, Huck consistently demonstrates sound moral judgment, challenging societal norms and standing up for what he believes to be right. His journey throughout the novel showcases his growth as a character and emphasizes the importance of individual moral autonomy.
References:
1. Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. 1885.