Experiences with Huck Finn

Huck Finn Experienced?

1. Have you read the novel –Huck Finn- before?  If so where and why?

Yes, I read Huck Finn my junior year of high school for English.

Answer either 2 or 3 depending on your answer to 1.

2. If you have not read Huck Finn before, surely you know something about the novel and character from references and allusions in popular culture.  What do you know about either the novel and/or character?

3. What was your response to reading Huck Finn, and what do you remember from your reading?  Also, did you actually read the whole novel, or just parts of it?  Did you read Cliff Notes or Monarch Notes instead?

Looking back on my first experience with Huck Finn, I don't remember much other than major plot points. I can recall some of the relationship Huck develops with Jim, but I did not remember all of the occurrences on the river, such as finding the wrecked steamboat. I did read the whole novel, and it did not seem as deep of a story four years ago. I definitely noticed more details this reading. 

4. If you were assigned to read Huck Finn in a previous class, either here or in high school, how did your class as a whole react to the novel?  Why do you think your instructor assigned the novel?  How did he or she try to “teach” the novel?

From what I can remember, the class reacted as many students around the country do when reading. Some are shocked by the racism and dark side of humanity, some think it's a great adventure story, and others don't take the time to read it. I'm sure it was assigned because the teacher thought that all students should experience the novel at some time during their education, but she did not attempt to censor the story whatsoever.

5. If you were required to read Huck Finn in a previous class, what sort of assignments were you required to complete, and what exactly did you do during the classes when

Huck Finn was being discussed.

I honestly don't remember any specific assignments involving Huck Finn. I'm sure there were reading quizzes and some sort of essay or final test on the novel. During class, we would often spend thirty minutes or so each day talking about some event in the novel, usually while going over the answers reading quiz--using it as a springboard for discussion.

6. Huck Finn is still one of the most controversial and most banned books in America.  Why is it so controversial? 

I think any work that spends much more time focusing on the greed and immorality present in even the "good" characters is likely to be controversial. Highlighting the dark side of humanity is liable to rub some Americans the wrong way.

7. Is Huck Finn still relevant to you as college student today?  Should it continue to be taught in college classrooms?

I do think it is still relevant.Not only does the novel reminds us of a time in American history where there was not freedom for all, but it depicts a life full of adventure that most of us wish we could live at least in part. Besides, college is an adventure itself--it's only fitting to study an adventure novel while in college. 

8.  The general consensus among critics is that Huck Finn is a brilliant and powerful novel, but also a flawed and problematic novel.  What do you think might be flawed and/or problematic about the novel?

I think, while adding to the atmosphere of the novel, some of the dialogue can be a bit inaccessible at times. Beyond this trite flaw though, I believe the dearth of lasting consequences throughout make the story seem somewhat unrealistic.