The Mystery of the Big Muddy

Harold N. Fisk, 1944. Cape Girardeau, MO -
Donaldsonville, LA. Plate 22-10

Today we are looking into the magic of the Mighty Mississippi, or as some affectionately call it the Big Muddy. What you see here is the "Map of ancient courses of the Mississippi River." The one thing we can deduce is, as Heraclitus once observed in his own tributary, that the river is always changing.

Agenda:

1. Pater Noster
   
2. Read and study Huck Finn
3. Huck Finn Quiz: Chapters 20-35
4. Finish Reading Journal: Huck Finn Ch. 20-35
1. Twain is known for his anti-religious beliefs; however, the doctrine of realism holds that authors should not intrude into the story. In Chapter 20, is Twain satirizing the portrayal of the camp-meeting or is he simply describing it.
2. In Chapter 22, Sherbourne gives his opinion of a “man.” Is this Twain’s opinion or is he being humorous? Support this. What kind of men are the King and Duke? 
3. In chapter 26, why does Huck start to feel remorse about the hoax in which he has become involved? Given the stubbornness and confidence of the king, what is Twain’s opinion of the human race?
4.  In chapter 28, Huck “takes considerable resks” to be honest and “ups and tells the truth.” Why does he do this? Explain its significance in terms of Huck’s development of conscience.
5. In chapter 31, Twain subtly attacks the religious tenets that support slavery. Explain this in terms of Huck’s moral anguish. Support your argument with the text.
5. Read Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain
6. Binder Check-3.1:
1. Grammar Exercise 10-1
   
2. Realism Notes
3. Reading Journal: A Mystery of Heroism
4. Reading Journal: Huck Finn
7. Review HW:
1. Read Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn --
   DO THE READING!
1. Check out the Reading Schedule.
2. Study the Huck Finn Reading Questions
3. Get a free audio version: Lit2Go and LibriVox. Both are available as Podcast. Also, some audio versions are available on Youtube. Grover Gardener is a wonderful reader of Huck Finn. You need someone of the south. Regionalism depends on it.
2. Be perfect.