1. Throughout the novel, we have seen instances where Twain uses descriptions of nature

to convey a mood of tranquility, beauty, or force. What mood is conveyed in the

description?

2. When Huck makes up a story about a boiler blowing up, he is asked if anyone is hurt.

What attitude of the people does Twain attack with Huck’s answer?

3. Explain the fortunate coincidence that enables Huck to continue his masquerade.

1. Why is Huck surprised that Tom gets involved in stealing a slave?

2. Twain, on a number of occasions, has attacked the common man, sometimes savagely;

what is his opinion of Uncle Silas and farmers like him?

3. A malaprop is the use of a word that is close to the correct word, but is not the right

word. In this wrong context, the word is humorous, often ludicrous. On page 219

when Aunt Sally says, “I was most putrified with astonishment,” what word was she

thinking of?

4. When Huck hurries to town with Tom, what do they see; and what is Huck’s

reaction? How is this opinion ironic?

done nothing”? (Pg. 220) What do his comments about a conscience mean?

1. Why does Tom want to make Jim’s escape more difficult and time–consuming than it

needs to be?

2. Some readers criticize Twain because they say he has again robbed Jim of his humanity

in this and the succeeding chapters, and reduced him to a non-entity, a character who

is nearly unnecessary, except to serve as the reason for Tom’s escape plan. Do you

agree?

1. With the return of Tom to the story, Chapters 34 through 43 take on a different tone.

In what way?

2. Tom’s elaborate plans can be seen as merely a child’s imagination filled with incidents

from books. However, Twain makes a pointed attack in this planning. Where is it

directed?

3. Although not as serious in purpose, these chapters are funny. What do you think are

some of the funniest incidents? Be prepared to read them aloud.

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4. What concession to reality does Tom make in his plan to dig out Jim?

5. Why will Aunt Sally never again count spoons?

6. How can you explain Jim’s willingness to go along with Tom’s foolishness?

7. How does Tom further complicate the plan to free Jim?