Reading Reaction -- 8.24.09
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Ryan Browne
Aug 21, 2009, 9:12:01 AM8/21/09
to EN 210-029
Please address ONE of the following in 250 words:
1. How do Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn differ? Please cite specific
examples.
2. Is this a book for children? Why/why not? How do you know? Please
cite specific examples.
1. How do Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn differ? Please cite specific
examples.
2. Is this a book for children? Why/why not? How do you know? Please
cite specific examples.
cjrogers
Aug 23, 2009, 4:14:22 PM8/23/09
to EN 210-029
1. How to Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn differ? Please cite specific
examples.
Huck and Tom are very different. Huck for most of his life
has had to be on his own. He has a better grasp on reality. Since he
has been living on his own for quite some time, he has learned how
very hard and difficult life can be. Tom, however, was raised in an
ordinary family. He has no clue as to how the world works. He lives
his life like a story in one of the books he read. He makes things far
more complicated than they need to be. For example, when rescuing Jim,
they could have easily lifted the post and made a getaway, but that
wasn't dramatic enough for Tom, so instead he opted to saw the post so
that it would be more fun. Tom did not undertand how serious the
situation was and that it was not a good time to play games. He is way
more immature than Huck, and this is mostly due to the fact that Huck
has had to raise himself and grow up quicker than sheltered Tom. Tom
is very selfish. I do not know if he is intentionally selfish or if he
is just that oblivious to how the world works. Huck does not see the
point in making unnecessary challenges. Huck is in it to help others
and Tom is there for his own personal idea of fun. Tom and Huck, while
friends, are both two very different people due to the fact that their
backgrounds were completely different.
Matt Rotenstreich
Aug 23, 2009, 4:31:20 PM8/23/09
to EN 210-029
Reading Response 8/24/09
Question 1
Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn are different in many aspects. Huck is a
rebellious, adventurous free-spirited young man who only looks out for
himself.
He has no manners or civil rules that he abides by and does just about
whatever he pleases, when he pleases. Huck lives in the wilderness and
has no distinct home. He lives his life traveling up and down the
Mississippi, eating and finding shelter wherever he can. To some this
sounds like a hard life, always trying to find food, never knowing
where your going to spend the night, and if you'll be safe or not. To
Huck this is the life he wants to live because he makes his own rules,
no one tells him what to do and he can live his life the way he wants
to. Because he has no real civilized morals Huck experiences things no
kid of that age should. For example Huck loves to smoke a pipe full of
tobacco. He does this because he can and no one is there to teach him
that smoking is not something a thirteen year old should be doing. On
the other hand, Tom Sawyer is a boy who lives a civilized life and was
raised around church and family. He is forced to go to school every
day and church every Sunday. He has a good home surrounded by people
who love and care for him. The thing about Tom is that he envies the
life that Huck lives. Tom feels as if he has too many rules and cant
experience the fun adventures that Huck endures. Because he has so
many rules, Tom is always getting into trouble. For example, he
frequently sneaks out in to meet up with Huck to go on adventures and
sometimes gets caught. As you can see Huck is adventurous and wild,
and Tom is civilized but can sometimes be a trouble maker due to the
tight leash his society puts on him.
Question 1
Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn are different in many aspects. Huck is a
rebellious, adventurous free-spirited young man who only looks out for
himself.
He has no manners or civil rules that he abides by and does just about
whatever he pleases, when he pleases. Huck lives in the wilderness and
has no distinct home. He lives his life traveling up and down the
Mississippi, eating and finding shelter wherever he can. To some this
sounds like a hard life, always trying to find food, never knowing
where your going to spend the night, and if you'll be safe or not. To
Huck this is the life he wants to live because he makes his own rules,
no one tells him what to do and he can live his life the way he wants
to. Because he has no real civilized morals Huck experiences things no
kid of that age should. For example Huck loves to smoke a pipe full of
tobacco. He does this because he can and no one is there to teach him
that smoking is not something a thirteen year old should be doing. On
the other hand, Tom Sawyer is a boy who lives a civilized life and was
raised around church and family. He is forced to go to school every
day and church every Sunday. He has a good home surrounded by people
who love and care for him. The thing about Tom is that he envies the
life that Huck lives. Tom feels as if he has too many rules and cant
experience the fun adventures that Huck endures. Because he has so
many rules, Tom is always getting into trouble. For example, he
frequently sneaks out in to meet up with Huck to go on adventures and
sometimes gets caught. As you can see Huck is adventurous and wild,
and Tom is civilized but can sometimes be a trouble maker due to the
tight leash his society puts on him.
Tricia
Aug 23, 2009, 6:06:11 PM8/23/09
to EN 210-029
When only looking at the surface storyline of The Adventures of
Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, some readers might assume the novel
is too controversial to be taught to children. However, if teachers
take the time to be sensitive to the racial content and teach the book
as a story of a boy learning to denounce society and gain a moral
conscience, than it could be a valuable lesson for many students.
At the beginning of the novel Huck starts out as prejudice boy, but
that is the viewpoint of society that Huck is raised in and the main
opinion of black people of the time. At one time Huck refers to the
slaves as “…always talking about witches in the dark by the kitchen
fire.” This phrase epitomizes the opinion that society thought of
black people as having dark souls and being capable of less morality.
Although at the beginning of novel, Huck also lacks many morals. He
offers up the widower in order to be a part of a gang and also chooses
to go to hell simply because Tom Sawyer will be there with him.
Through Huck’s journey with Jim, Huck begins to recognize Jim as a
man, human being, and even companion. He considered being loyal to the
widow and turning Jim in to the authorities, but at the last minute he
proclaims “All right then, I’ll go to hell.” This is not only a moral
sacrifice for him, but also his denouncing all of society and all he
has been taught. This is a big moral step for a boy to recognize his
own views and his own conscience over the opinions of a whole society.
Some consider the racism in the novel to be too blatant. However, the
story of courage and finding one’s true conscience is well worth
working through the ignorance of the time. The shocking contrast in
the novel it what helps it to continue to top the classic literature
list and teach a valuable lesson to numerous students.
Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, some readers might assume the novel
is too controversial to be taught to children. However, if teachers
take the time to be sensitive to the racial content and teach the book
as a story of a boy learning to denounce society and gain a moral
conscience, than it could be a valuable lesson for many students.
At the beginning of the novel Huck starts out as prejudice boy, but
that is the viewpoint of society that Huck is raised in and the main
opinion of black people of the time. At one time Huck refers to the
slaves as “…always talking about witches in the dark by the kitchen
fire.” This phrase epitomizes the opinion that society thought of
black people as having dark souls and being capable of less morality.
Although at the beginning of novel, Huck also lacks many morals. He
offers up the widower in order to be a part of a gang and also chooses
to go to hell simply because Tom Sawyer will be there with him.
Through Huck’s journey with Jim, Huck begins to recognize Jim as a
man, human being, and even companion. He considered being loyal to the
widow and turning Jim in to the authorities, but at the last minute he
proclaims “All right then, I’ll go to hell.” This is not only a moral
sacrifice for him, but also his denouncing all of society and all he
has been taught. This is a big moral step for a boy to recognize his
own views and his own conscience over the opinions of a whole society.
Some consider the racism in the novel to be too blatant. However, the
story of courage and finding one’s true conscience is well worth
working through the ignorance of the time. The shocking contrast in
the novel it what helps it to continue to top the classic literature
list and teach a valuable lesson to numerous students.
Luke
Aug 23, 2009, 6:59:13 PM8/23/09
to EN 210-029
Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, are best friends, in the two Mark Twain
novels. They are two young boys with the same self-interests. They
both want to be play outside, play games, and act mischievous. The
boys start these little adventures that often lead them into big
adventures and then in turn, get themselves in trouble. Although they
have their similarities, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn both are very
different boys.
Huck Finn is an uncivilized, no-discipline, pipe-smoking, uneducated
boy with very poor dialect. Huck has no family but a drunken father
who rarely comes around and was hardly in Huck’s life. His background
consists of the lowest class of the white people, poverty. He had
always been a free-spirit and wanderer who runs off from the people
who take him in and try to reform him and shows no concept
understanding of hygiene. He is a self-witted outcast who thrives off
his own conclusions and thoughts about important issues. With no
formal education, he can be perceived as intelligent with his “street-
smart abilities” but also often thinks too hard about simple ideas or
stories taught to him by Miss Watson. “At first, I hated the school,
but by-and-by I got so I could stand it. Whenever I got uncommon tired
I played hookey, and the hiding I got done the next day done me good
and cheered me up” (Chapter 4). Huck, unlike his friend Tom, wasn’t
brought up with any social or moral value taught by his society. “It
was kind of lazy and jolly, laying off comfortable all day, smoking
and fishing, and no books nor study…..I didn’t see how I ever got to
like so well at the window’s, where you had to wash, eat on a plate,
and comb up, and go to bed and get up regular” (Chapter 6). He is his
own rule maker and often follows the lead of his friend, Tom Sawyer.
Tom Sawyer is the typical imaginative young boy, same age as Huck,
who gets his ideas from pirate books and adventure novels. Tom was
brought up in the higher white class of his society by his Aunt Polly
and had a comfortable childhood. He feeds off of what he’s been taught
by the adults and in school and gets himself into trouble by mixing it
with his unreliable ideas he creates. Unlike Huck, he actually follows
rules and is clever how he goes about them. Although, his cleverness,
tortures others while trying to come up with more plans for adventure.
“Why, whoever rubs the lamp or the ring. They belong to whoever rubs
the lamp or the ring, and they’ve got to do whatever he says. If he
tells them to build a palace forty miles long, out of di’monds, and
fill it full of chewing gum, or whatever you want, and fetch an
emperor’s daughter from China for you to marry, they’ve got to do it
before sun-up next week morning, too. And more---they’ve got to waltz
that palace around over the country whenever you want it, you
understand” (Chapter 3). Tom represents a natural leader.
novels. They are two young boys with the same self-interests. They
both want to be play outside, play games, and act mischievous. The
boys start these little adventures that often lead them into big
adventures and then in turn, get themselves in trouble. Although they
have their similarities, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn both are very
different boys.
Huck Finn is an uncivilized, no-discipline, pipe-smoking, uneducated
boy with very poor dialect. Huck has no family but a drunken father
who rarely comes around and was hardly in Huck’s life. His background
consists of the lowest class of the white people, poverty. He had
always been a free-spirit and wanderer who runs off from the people
who take him in and try to reform him and shows no concept
understanding of hygiene. He is a self-witted outcast who thrives off
his own conclusions and thoughts about important issues. With no
formal education, he can be perceived as intelligent with his “street-
smart abilities” but also often thinks too hard about simple ideas or
stories taught to him by Miss Watson. “At first, I hated the school,
but by-and-by I got so I could stand it. Whenever I got uncommon tired
I played hookey, and the hiding I got done the next day done me good
and cheered me up” (Chapter 4). Huck, unlike his friend Tom, wasn’t
brought up with any social or moral value taught by his society. “It
was kind of lazy and jolly, laying off comfortable all day, smoking
and fishing, and no books nor study…..I didn’t see how I ever got to
like so well at the window’s, where you had to wash, eat on a plate,
and comb up, and go to bed and get up regular” (Chapter 6). He is his
own rule maker and often follows the lead of his friend, Tom Sawyer.
Tom Sawyer is the typical imaginative young boy, same age as Huck,
who gets his ideas from pirate books and adventure novels. Tom was
brought up in the higher white class of his society by his Aunt Polly
and had a comfortable childhood. He feeds off of what he’s been taught
by the adults and in school and gets himself into trouble by mixing it
with his unreliable ideas he creates. Unlike Huck, he actually follows
rules and is clever how he goes about them. Although, his cleverness,
tortures others while trying to come up with more plans for adventure.
“Why, whoever rubs the lamp or the ring. They belong to whoever rubs
the lamp or the ring, and they’ve got to do whatever he says. If he
tells them to build a palace forty miles long, out of di’monds, and
fill it full of chewing gum, or whatever you want, and fetch an
emperor’s daughter from China for you to marry, they’ve got to do it
before sun-up next week morning, too. And more---they’ve got to waltz
that palace around over the country whenever you want it, you
understand” (Chapter 3). Tom represents a natural leader.
Katie
Aug 23, 2009, 6:59:58 PM8/23/09
to EN 210-029
Tom Sawyer is a big leader in this section of the story. Towards the
start of the chapter 1, Huck Finn expresses his excitement for seeing
Tom Sawyer again. Tom comes from a great family and does not clearly
understand the consequences of some of his actions. Tom attempts to
create a robbery group and shows some of his leadership actions when
creating the group, finding a secret spot in a cave and even coming up
with their rules. Tom also shows he has a higher education when Huck
Finn states on page 113 that Tom read to come up with these intense
rules, “ He said..but the rest was out of pirate books, and robber
books,” . Huck Finn on the other hand, is not as educated. We learn
that he is just now starting to read and write in school. Huck Finn is
a follower. He would do anything to be in the robbery group. He also
loves to be surrounded with other people. Finn tends to be unhappy and
lonely most of the time. On page 133 Huck Finn shows this by
revealing, “ I was ever so glad to see Jim. I warn’t so lonesome,
now.” Throughout this reading you can also realize Huck Finn is not
greedy. He only wishes the most simplistic happiness upon himself. He
even practically gives away his earned treasure so he does not have to
be beat by his Pap.Though these two best friends differ in
characteristics, I find myself happy that Tom Sawyer is there to give
hope to Huck Finn through his rough times and many adventures.
start of the chapter 1, Huck Finn expresses his excitement for seeing
Tom Sawyer again. Tom comes from a great family and does not clearly
understand the consequences of some of his actions. Tom attempts to
create a robbery group and shows some of his leadership actions when
creating the group, finding a secret spot in a cave and even coming up
with their rules. Tom also shows he has a higher education when Huck
Finn states on page 113 that Tom read to come up with these intense
rules, “ He said..but the rest was out of pirate books, and robber
books,” . Huck Finn on the other hand, is not as educated. We learn
that he is just now starting to read and write in school. Huck Finn is
a follower. He would do anything to be in the robbery group. He also
loves to be surrounded with other people. Finn tends to be unhappy and
lonely most of the time. On page 133 Huck Finn shows this by
revealing, “ I was ever so glad to see Jim. I warn’t so lonesome,
now.” Throughout this reading you can also realize Huck Finn is not
greedy. He only wishes the most simplistic happiness upon himself. He
even practically gives away his earned treasure so he does not have to
be beat by his Pap.Though these two best friends differ in
characteristics, I find myself happy that Tom Sawyer is there to give
hope to Huck Finn through his rough times and many adventures.
Kristen
Aug 23, 2009, 10:50:26 PM8/23/09
to EN 210-029
2. Is this a book for children? Why/why not? How do you know? Please
cite specific examples.
At first glance, "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" would seem like
cite specific examples.
a children's book. It is a story of two young boys who want to be
grown up but still have so much yet to learn. It has all the makings
of one, with the adventures and imaginations running wild and the
typical routines of a young child's day to day life. However, beyond
the surface, it becomes evident that the book is much too advanced for
a child's mind. The language, the rebellious nature, and the constant
reoccurence of underage illegal activities make this book way out of
the league of any child.
The whole story is written in the language of someone with a
strong backwoods dialect. In some parts it might even be difficult
for an educated adult to understand. For example, in the first
paragraph, the line "I never seen anybody but lied, one time or
another, without it was Aunt Polly, or the widow, or maybe Mary," made
even me, a college student, take second and third glances. Even now,
I'm not so sure I understand what it means. Therefore, I do not
believe any young child in elementary, or even middle, school for that
matter would be able to comprehend what Mark Twain is trying to say.
Also, I don't believe that the way Huckleberry Finn rebels
against society in general sets a good example for young readers. He
constantly speaks ill of his guardian, sneaks around and smokes,
drinks alcohol periodically, and runs away when he doesn't get what he
wants. Overall, I can't see the story as one for children simply
because of the bad example I believe it sets and the ill behavior I
believe it promotes.
Ali Smith
Aug 24, 2009, 12:34:47 AM8/24/09
to EN 210-029
Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, Mark Twain’s two classic characters,
both symbolize the romantic boyish childhood of the period. While
these characters have many similar traits they differ greatly in
several crucial ways. Huck leads a lawless life “supervised” by a
drunk of a father; Huck is free to carry about daily life as he
pleases. That means the absence of education, religion, reform, or any
social merit. While Tom urns for the freedom Huck enjoys, he is
restricted by several social restraints. His aunt Polly runs a tight
shift in the house, insuring that Tom receives an education, attends
church, and learns the etiquette of a gentleman. In this way, Tom is
limited in his understanding of an outside world. Huck, who survives
on his own, is exposed to far more situations in peoples which give
him a certain maturity that Tom lacks. For example, despite the
rampant slavery of the era, when Huck finds himself with the soul
championship of an African American, the youth, with his conscience
removed from social institutions, is able to identify with Jim on a
raw and humanistic level. In this interaction, Huck gains a certain
wisdom that has seemed to elude a tarnished white southern society.
This maturity to some extent exists in Tom but is often suppressed by
his adopted society and, because of its restrictions, is never allowed
to develop like Huck’s.
both symbolize the romantic boyish childhood of the period. While
these characters have many similar traits they differ greatly in
several crucial ways. Huck leads a lawless life “supervised” by a
drunk of a father; Huck is free to carry about daily life as he
pleases. That means the absence of education, religion, reform, or any
social merit. While Tom urns for the freedom Huck enjoys, he is
restricted by several social restraints. His aunt Polly runs a tight
shift in the house, insuring that Tom receives an education, attends
church, and learns the etiquette of a gentleman. In this way, Tom is
limited in his understanding of an outside world. Huck, who survives
on his own, is exposed to far more situations in peoples which give
him a certain maturity that Tom lacks. For example, despite the
rampant slavery of the era, when Huck finds himself with the soul
championship of an African American, the youth, with his conscience
removed from social institutions, is able to identify with Jim on a
raw and humanistic level. In this interaction, Huck gains a certain
wisdom that has seemed to elude a tarnished white southern society.
This maturity to some extent exists in Tom but is often suppressed by
his adopted society and, because of its restrictions, is never allowed
to develop like Huck’s.
John
Aug 24, 2009, 1:19:29 AM8/24/09
to EN 210-029
Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn are basically polar opposites as far
as their character personalities. Tom is obsessed with romantic
ideals and all manner of crazy notions and adventurous plans. Huck is
a much more no nonsense straight shooting kind of guy. He doesn't
take stock in anything other than what he can understand. If it
doesn't make any sense to him then he's not going to worry himself
about it. Tom on the other hand loves being the know it all. He is
always talking about how he read something in a book so that has to be
the way it's done. Huck is just content following along and enjoying
the adventure. One of the best examples of the differences between is
their discussion about genie's in the end of the third chapter. Tom
tells Huck that genie's have to do whatever the person who frees them
says and Huck responds matter-of-factly, "What, and I as high as a
tree and as big as a church? All right, then; I would come; but I lay
I'd make that man climb the highest tree there was in the country."
Huck sees everything in a very plain realistic way and to him a huge
all powerful genie shouldn't have to take orders from a little human.
Tom enjoys the imagination and the delusions of grandeur that he gets
from the story.
I do not think that this is a necessarily a story for children. I
think a lot of the story elements would be difficult for a child to
understand. For instance all of the superstitions that the different
characters believe would be lost on a child. Also the vast array of
dialects would be very difficult for most children to decipher. More
specifically though there is a lot of mature themes, most notably the
relationship between Huck and his father. Huck's father is an abusive
raging alcoholic and Mark Twain does not shy away from that topic.
as their character personalities. Tom is obsessed with romantic
ideals and all manner of crazy notions and adventurous plans. Huck is
a much more no nonsense straight shooting kind of guy. He doesn't
take stock in anything other than what he can understand. If it
doesn't make any sense to him then he's not going to worry himself
about it. Tom on the other hand loves being the know it all. He is
always talking about how he read something in a book so that has to be
the way it's done. Huck is just content following along and enjoying
the adventure. One of the best examples of the differences between is
their discussion about genie's in the end of the third chapter. Tom
tells Huck that genie's have to do whatever the person who frees them
says and Huck responds matter-of-factly, "What, and I as high as a
tree and as big as a church? All right, then; I would come; but I lay
I'd make that man climb the highest tree there was in the country."
Huck sees everything in a very plain realistic way and to him a huge
all powerful genie shouldn't have to take orders from a little human.
Tom enjoys the imagination and the delusions of grandeur that he gets
from the story.
I do not think that this is a necessarily a story for children. I
think a lot of the story elements would be difficult for a child to
understand. For instance all of the superstitions that the different
characters believe would be lost on a child. Also the vast array of
dialects would be very difficult for most children to decipher. More
specifically though there is a lot of mature themes, most notably the
relationship between Huck and his father. Huck's father is an abusive
raging alcoholic and Mark Twain does not shy away from that topic.
Cori Powell
Aug 24, 2009, 1:29:14 AM8/24/09
to EN 210-029
1. How do Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn differ? Please cite specific
examples.
Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, though best friends in Twain's novels and
examples.
share the same interests in having many adventures together, are
perfect foils for eachother.
Tom Sawyer, a boy raised in an relatively, comforting financial
family, has many dreams of going on adventures and starting gangs with
his best friends. He got these ideas from the books he reads. From
reading these adventurous stories, it convinces him that he should
become just like the characters in them. So, he sets up situations,
like starting a gang (Chapter 2) and makes sure that all of the
members know what rules they need to follow in order to participate
and stay in the gang. I can't help but notice that Tom Sawyer follows
the path of his elders during that time period. He sticks strictly to
rules and does not listen to what anyone has to say. He also embodies
the stereotypical characterisitics of a white male during this time
period, self-centeredness and the actions that he rules over all
others.
Huck Finn differs from Tom Sawyer in that firstly, he has no family,
and no assets to come from. He is poor, has no manners, and does not
practice proper personal hygiene. He, like Tom Sawyer, is very
interested in living an adventurous life. However, he does it more
freely and is not restrained to certain rules and regulations like
Tom. In Chapter 4, Huck mentions that he does not mind attending
school, however whenever he needs a break, he will take one, unlike
Tom Sawyer, who would attend school every day. Also, Huck is a
thinker. Everything he encounters makes him question. Unlike Huck, Tom
Sawyer takes action. In Chapter 2, when they first encounter Jim after
he falls asleep when looking for the noise the Tom and Huck were
causing, Tom runs up to Jim and hangs his hat over his head. This
action made Huck uneasy and think about all the consequences if Jim
had woken up to catch Tom. Huck is skeptical of the world around him
and this is caused by his lack of conversing with mainstream society
when growing up.
Tracey
Aug 24, 2009, 3:31:52 AM8/24/09
to EN 210-029
Tom Sawyer and Hucklberry Finn share very few things in common; they
are roughly the same age, live in the same town, and have a strong
friendship. However, the two boys come from different backgrounds,
have seperate places in society, maturity levels, and morals. Tom
Sawyer is a character that comes from a loving household that requires
him to attend school regularly, while Huck Finn, who was only recently
"sivilized," has a different relationship with school. In Chapter 2,
Tom shows off his education by reading an oath he had written. When
asked if he came up with the oath alone, he admits, "... some of it,
but the rest was out of pirate books, and robber books, and every gang
that was high-toned of it." This shows that Tom enjoyed to read.
However, in some places, his understanding of what he had read is
poor. For example, in Chapter 2, the word "randsomed" becomes a
synonym for "dead." His ability to capture the interest of his peers
is remarkable, but he needs to work on definitions of words. Huck's
character was left to fend for himself at a young age which allowed
him to live life his own way, devoid of school, until very recently.
Although Tom has been in school for a long time, Huck is catching up
quickly. In Chapter 5, Huck reads out of a book for his low-life
father. Huck's father is an abusive man who is constantly drunk, or
drunk and irrate. The fact that these boys share different experiences
of the world lead them to become completely different people. Huck has
had little formal education, but can draw moral conclusions that would
outcast him from society. After stumbling across Jim on Jackson's
Island, Jim asked Huck to keep quiet about Jim running away. Huck
agrees, "People would call me a low down Ablitionist and despise me
for keeping mum- but that don't make no difference." Tom lives his
life according to society's rules, only slightly bent. He really shows
his selfish nature while rescuing Jim. Even though Tom knew Jim was a
free slave, he pretended complete ignorance. He was just having an
adventure at another's expense.
are roughly the same age, live in the same town, and have a strong
friendship. However, the two boys come from different backgrounds,
have seperate places in society, maturity levels, and morals. Tom
Sawyer is a character that comes from a loving household that requires
him to attend school regularly, while Huck Finn, who was only recently
"sivilized," has a different relationship with school. In Chapter 2,
Tom shows off his education by reading an oath he had written. When
asked if he came up with the oath alone, he admits, "... some of it,
but the rest was out of pirate books, and robber books, and every gang
that was high-toned of it." This shows that Tom enjoyed to read.
However, in some places, his understanding of what he had read is
poor. For example, in Chapter 2, the word "randsomed" becomes a
synonym for "dead." His ability to capture the interest of his peers
is remarkable, but he needs to work on definitions of words. Huck's
character was left to fend for himself at a young age which allowed
him to live life his own way, devoid of school, until very recently.
Although Tom has been in school for a long time, Huck is catching up
quickly. In Chapter 5, Huck reads out of a book for his low-life
father. Huck's father is an abusive man who is constantly drunk, or
drunk and irrate. The fact that these boys share different experiences
of the world lead them to become completely different people. Huck has
had little formal education, but can draw moral conclusions that would
outcast him from society. After stumbling across Jim on Jackson's
Island, Jim asked Huck to keep quiet about Jim running away. Huck
agrees, "People would call me a low down Ablitionist and despise me
for keeping mum- but that don't make no difference." Tom lives his
life according to society's rules, only slightly bent. He really shows
his selfish nature while rescuing Jim. Even though Tom knew Jim was a
free slave, he pretended complete ignorance. He was just having an
adventure at another's expense.
Michael
Aug 24, 2009, 4:02:05 AM8/24/09
to EN 210-029
Michael Patrick
Reading Response 8.24.2009
Mark Twain- Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Mark Twain uses his characters for many purposes throughout this tale
of childhood adventure, as any good author is to be expected. Twain’s
main character Huckleberry Finn is used [often] to allude to society’s
inability to define religion, especially Christianity. “I judged and I
could see that there was two [gods] , and a poor chap would stand
considerable show with the widow’s [god], but it Miss Watson’s got him
there warn’t no help for him any more” (115). Huck Finn’s character
perpetuates that idea of innocence is ignorance. The emotion that
Twain intends for his reader to feel upon reading about him being
punished, such as when he is scolded for being dirty, is sorrow (114).
Twain places the argument about Huck’s father being an alcoholic whose
apparently MIA directly preceding (113).
Twain’s use of Tom Sawyer on the other hand shows the immaturity of
the more privileged Americans. The fact that Tom goes by the book and
is a stickler for the rules illustrates the side of America that is
too ignorant to understand rules but use their privilege of
superiority to enforce these rules upon others. Tom is given the
luxury to not really be affect by rules in society, while Huck Finn
very much has the ability to see repercussions from his actions.
Huck’s lack of a father and Miss Watson’s strict parenting style
allows him to see consequences before he acts, for example he does not
wish to attempt to mess with Jim while he is asleep for fear of what
would happen if he were to wake up, and of course Tom does not and
messes with him anyway (111).
Although Tom and Huck differ in their specific purpose and persona,
they both represent people in America. Too, Huck and Tom represent
children and the ignorance whether in rules, religions, literature, or
courage.
Reading Response 8.24.2009
Mark Twain- Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Mark Twain uses his characters for many purposes throughout this tale
of childhood adventure, as any good author is to be expected. Twain’s
main character Huckleberry Finn is used [often] to allude to society’s
inability to define religion, especially Christianity. “I judged and I
could see that there was two [gods] , and a poor chap would stand
considerable show with the widow’s [god], but it Miss Watson’s got him
there warn’t no help for him any more” (115). Huck Finn’s character
perpetuates that idea of innocence is ignorance. The emotion that
Twain intends for his reader to feel upon reading about him being
punished, such as when he is scolded for being dirty, is sorrow (114).
Twain places the argument about Huck’s father being an alcoholic whose
apparently MIA directly preceding (113).
Twain’s use of Tom Sawyer on the other hand shows the immaturity of
the more privileged Americans. The fact that Tom goes by the book and
is a stickler for the rules illustrates the side of America that is
too ignorant to understand rules but use their privilege of
superiority to enforce these rules upon others. Tom is given the
luxury to not really be affect by rules in society, while Huck Finn
very much has the ability to see repercussions from his actions.
Huck’s lack of a father and Miss Watson’s strict parenting style
allows him to see consequences before he acts, for example he does not
wish to attempt to mess with Jim while he is asleep for fear of what
would happen if he were to wake up, and of course Tom does not and
messes with him anyway (111).
Although Tom and Huck differ in their specific purpose and persona,
they both represent people in America. Too, Huck and Tom represent
children and the ignorance whether in rules, religions, literature, or
courage.
mikecb122
Aug 24, 2009, 8:55:28 AM8/24/09
to EN 210-029
Whether or not to teach the story of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn to
children is a touchy subject that, like many others that discuss race
or ethics, should be revieewed in depth before deciding to introduce
in a class sitting. On one hand I think that it is a good idea for
children to learn from the ignorant mistakes that thei ancestors made
so that they will not repeat them. On the other, racially skewed
boundaries and poor moral choices are too complex for a child to
grasp. For example, the alcoholic and abusive tendencies of Toms
father are not necessarily something that a first grader can read and
decipher on their own. In the end, the teacher must decide whether or
not his students would benefit from reading this story.
Tom and Huck are about as different as two boys of the time could
possibly be. Tom has a loving home, goes to school, and is made to go
to church. He doesn't have to worry about where his next meal is going
to come from or having a roof over his head. His sheltered lifestyle
has caused him to only learn from what he sees or reads in a book.
This is very evident in his racist and self centered mannarisms. Huck
on the other hand, lives as a wanderer who thrives on adventure. He
has no family so he was forced to grow up a lot faster than other kids
his age. Tom gets many of his ideals and ideas from the books he
reads. For example, he tries to start his own gang in chapter two, an
idea he got from one of his novels. Although Tom and Huck are
basically polar opposites, they become best friends and end up
learning a lot from each other.
children is a touchy subject that, like many others that discuss race
or ethics, should be revieewed in depth before deciding to introduce
in a class sitting. On one hand I think that it is a good idea for
children to learn from the ignorant mistakes that thei ancestors made
so that they will not repeat them. On the other, racially skewed
boundaries and poor moral choices are too complex for a child to
grasp. For example, the alcoholic and abusive tendencies of Toms
father are not necessarily something that a first grader can read and
decipher on their own. In the end, the teacher must decide whether or
not his students would benefit from reading this story.
Tom and Huck are about as different as two boys of the time could
possibly be. Tom has a loving home, goes to school, and is made to go
to church. He doesn't have to worry about where his next meal is going
to come from or having a roof over his head. His sheltered lifestyle
has caused him to only learn from what he sees or reads in a book.
This is very evident in his racist and self centered mannarisms. Huck
on the other hand, lives as a wanderer who thrives on adventure. He
has no family so he was forced to grow up a lot faster than other kids
his age. Tom gets many of his ideals and ideas from the books he
reads. For example, he tries to start his own gang in chapter two, an
idea he got from one of his novels. Although Tom and Huck are
basically polar opposites, they become best friends and end up
learning a lot from each other.
Brittani Boice
Aug 24, 2009, 12:06:25 PM8/24/09
to EN 210-029
At first glance, you might think that this story would be suitable for
children. After all, there have been many children’s movies made
after this book and even shorter children’s versions of the book have
been printed. However, the original copy of this book would not be
appropriate for a child. There are many issues that would completely
go over the child’s head and some of the novel would be too vulgar for
a child. The use of the word “nigger” is something that children are
taught never to say but it is repeated frequently and casually
throughout the whole book. The gruesome consequences for breaking the
rules of his gang that Tom Sawyer describes would be terrifying for a
young child to read. I think that the content of this novel is more
appropriate for some high school classes and college students. It
would be more appropriate for older students because most of them are
mature enough to talk about the controversial issues in this novel,
such as racism, in a dignified way. Also, older students have more to
gain from the novel. A child wouldn’t really understand the concept
of going against society and changing morals, it wouldn’t make sense
to them. This is why this book is most suitable for older students
and not children.
children. After all, there have been many children’s movies made
after this book and even shorter children’s versions of the book have
been printed. However, the original copy of this book would not be
appropriate for a child. There are many issues that would completely
go over the child’s head and some of the novel would be too vulgar for
a child. The use of the word “nigger” is something that children are
taught never to say but it is repeated frequently and casually
throughout the whole book. The gruesome consequences for breaking the
rules of his gang that Tom Sawyer describes would be terrifying for a
young child to read. I think that the content of this novel is more
appropriate for some high school classes and college students. It
would be more appropriate for older students because most of them are
mature enough to talk about the controversial issues in this novel,
such as racism, in a dignified way. Also, older students have more to
gain from the novel. A child wouldn’t really understand the concept
of going against society and changing morals, it wouldn’t make sense
to them. This is why this book is most suitable for older students
and not children.
vsjackson
Aug 24, 2009, 12:06:41 PM8/24/09
to EN 210-029
Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn are very different people due to the
different backgrounds that they were raised in. Tom Sawyer was raised
in a traditional family who grew up attending church and going to
school everyday. Tom likes to act rebellious because he looks up to
Huck and wants to be similar to him. Huck was not raised in a
traditional household. He is used to making his own rules and doing
what he pleases. He does not like it when the Widow Douglas tries to
teach him about the bible or make him abide by her rules. He tries to
rebel against her and give her a hard time. For example, he asks her
if he can smoke and she says no. He knows that she thinks it is a
dirty habit but he wants to smoke anyways.
Tom and Huck are also different because they have a different way of
thinking. Huck seems to be more reasonable and mature. Tom wants his
life to be a big adventure so he tries to put himself in risky or
dangerous situations. For example, Tom wants to tie Jim to the tree
for fun, but Huck knows that it might cause a disturbance and they
would get caught sneaking out of the house. Tom also insisted on
sneaking into the house to get candles but Huck did not want him to do
that either because it might wake Jim up. Tom and Huck are both very
adventurous boys but are very different people at heart.
different backgrounds that they were raised in. Tom Sawyer was raised
in a traditional family who grew up attending church and going to
school everyday. Tom likes to act rebellious because he looks up to
Huck and wants to be similar to him. Huck was not raised in a
traditional household. He is used to making his own rules and doing
what he pleases. He does not like it when the Widow Douglas tries to
teach him about the bible or make him abide by her rules. He tries to
rebel against her and give her a hard time. For example, he asks her
if he can smoke and she says no. He knows that she thinks it is a
dirty habit but he wants to smoke anyways.
Tom and Huck are also different because they have a different way of
thinking. Huck seems to be more reasonable and mature. Tom wants his
life to be a big adventure so he tries to put himself in risky or
dangerous situations. For example, Tom wants to tie Jim to the tree
for fun, but Huck knows that it might cause a disturbance and they
would get caught sneaking out of the house. Tom also insisted on
sneaking into the house to get candles but Huck did not want him to do
that either because it might wake Jim up. Tom and Huck are both very
adventurous boys but are very different people at heart.
Caleb Hall
Aug 24, 2009, 12:15:39 PM8/24/09
to EN 210-029
1. How do Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn differ? Please cite specific
examples.
Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn differ in a large number of ways. Some would
examples.
go as far as to say, that they are complete conflicting
representations of a child’s spirit. Being thirteen years old, they
share basic wants and needs of adventure and excitement. However, Tom
is the embodiment of control and structure when compared to Huck Finn.
Tom’s structure around family, school, and church is something that
can not be overlooked when comparing these two boys. This is not to
say that Tom does not deeply yearn to have the freedoms of Huck.
Huck Finn’s representation is of the free spirited drifter. He is
exactly what every thirteen year old boy believes they want to be. On
his own, he fends for himself but may lack some of the moral fiber of
Tom. A clear and obvious representation of his freedoms in the novel
is his ability as a thirteen year old boy to freely use tobacco. The
idea of this freedom at this age is yearned for by most, but the
responsibility that irrevocably comes with it would be more than most
boys that age could handle. Most important of all, in my opinion, is
the clear representation of Tom’s “book smarts” compared to Huck’s
“street smarts.” The ability to read and write make Tom a slightly
educated citizen of the time for his age, however, they far short when
compared to Huck’s knowledge through experience.
Michael Bodkin
Aug 24, 2009, 12:19:53 PM8/24/09
to EN 210-029
Although Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer are best friends, they are very
different people. Perhaps the most obvious way in which they are
different is in the way that they were brought up. Huck grew up
basically on his own. When his father was around, he beat Huck, and
when he wasn’t around Huck had to take care of himself. This
sometimes lest him sleeping in the woods alone. Huck is finally taken
in by the Widow who tires to give Huck a better life, providing him
with fresh clothes and healthy meals, in hopes of making him more
civilized. Tom, on the other hand, had a very different upbringing.
He was raised with a family in a normal family setting. He never had
to spend nights alone in the woods or wear rags for clothes. Another
difference between Huck and Tom is their education. Because Huck did
not have a secure upbringing, he is just now going to school and
starting to learn how to read and write while Tom can already read
quite well, as he shows when he talks about what he has read in pirate
books and such. Although Huck has not been as educated as Tom, it
seems he has a better grasp of reality. When Huck, Tom, and the other
boys are playing their robber game, Huck questions a lot of the things
Tom says. For example, Huck says he cannot see the genies and
elephants in the field, only a group of Sunday school children. Tom
calls Huck “ignorant” and points out that if he had read certain
books, he would be able to see them. From this example, it seems that
Tom is more imaginative while Huck is more in touch with reality.
different people. Perhaps the most obvious way in which they are
different is in the way that they were brought up. Huck grew up
basically on his own. When his father was around, he beat Huck, and
when he wasn’t around Huck had to take care of himself. This
sometimes lest him sleeping in the woods alone. Huck is finally taken
in by the Widow who tires to give Huck a better life, providing him
with fresh clothes and healthy meals, in hopes of making him more
civilized. Tom, on the other hand, had a very different upbringing.
He was raised with a family in a normal family setting. He never had
to spend nights alone in the woods or wear rags for clothes. Another
difference between Huck and Tom is their education. Because Huck did
not have a secure upbringing, he is just now going to school and
starting to learn how to read and write while Tom can already read
quite well, as he shows when he talks about what he has read in pirate
books and such. Although Huck has not been as educated as Tom, it
seems he has a better grasp of reality. When Huck, Tom, and the other
boys are playing their robber game, Huck questions a lot of the things
Tom says. For example, Huck says he cannot see the genies and
elephants in the field, only a group of Sunday school children. Tom
calls Huck “ignorant” and points out that if he had read certain
books, he would be able to see them. From this example, it seems that
Tom is more imaginative while Huck is more in touch with reality.
Matt
Aug 24, 2009, 12:33:47 PM8/24/09
to EN 210-029
Matt Kirkpatrick
Reading Reaction to the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Huck Finn is very different from Tom Sawyer in many ways. Huck Finn
comes from the lowest level of white class possible. He has a father
who is a drunk that frequently disappears on him for months on end.
Huck practically raises himself for much of his life. Widow Douglas
attempts to civilize him, but Huck still resists her, because he
simply has no trust in people. In the very beginning of the novel
Huck contemplates leaving the comfort of living with Widow Douglas to
go join a band of robbers led by Tom Sawyer. Huck ultimately went
back to Widow Douglas.
Tom Sawyer on the other hand was raised in an environment of relative
comfort. Tom is much more self centered than Huck. Tom has a great
itch for adventure, but sometimes he supplies that thrill for himself
at the cost of others. For example when Tom and Huck are sneaking
through the Widow’s garden and they are heard by Jim, one of Miss
Watson’s slaves. After Jim gives up looking for them and falls
asleep, Tom wants to tie Jim up, but the more mature Huck quickly
objects to the idea. Tom has to settle for just simply playing a
trick on Jim instead. Even still Huck objects to even playing a trick
on Jim for fear of getting caught, but Tom does the trick anyway. Tom
and Huck differ greatly, but nonetheless are still the best of
friends.
Reading Reaction to the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Huck Finn is very different from Tom Sawyer in many ways. Huck Finn
comes from the lowest level of white class possible. He has a father
who is a drunk that frequently disappears on him for months on end.
Huck practically raises himself for much of his life. Widow Douglas
attempts to civilize him, but Huck still resists her, because he
simply has no trust in people. In the very beginning of the novel
Huck contemplates leaving the comfort of living with Widow Douglas to
go join a band of robbers led by Tom Sawyer. Huck ultimately went
back to Widow Douglas.
Tom Sawyer on the other hand was raised in an environment of relative
comfort. Tom is much more self centered than Huck. Tom has a great
itch for adventure, but sometimes he supplies that thrill for himself
at the cost of others. For example when Tom and Huck are sneaking
through the Widow’s garden and they are heard by Jim, one of Miss
Watson’s slaves. After Jim gives up looking for them and falls
asleep, Tom wants to tie Jim up, but the more mature Huck quickly
objects to the idea. Tom has to settle for just simply playing a
trick on Jim instead. Even still Huck objects to even playing a trick
on Jim for fear of getting caught, but Tom does the trick anyway. Tom
and Huck differ greatly, but nonetheless are still the best of
friends.
Tanner Logan
Aug 30, 2009, 7:16:16 PM8/30/09
to EN 210-029
Tom and Huck although alike in a slight childish manner, have quite a
list of differences everywhere else. Tom comes from a well off family
and does not look at life the same way as Huck coming from a broken
home. Huck pretty much raised himself and did the best he could while
Tom always had someone to help him along the way with his decisions
and actions. This naturally gives Tom a more sheltered look on life
while Huck having raised himself knows how cruel the world can
actually be. Tome has a more fairy tale style of looking at life and
Huck sees the world how it is. With a good family Tom has never had to
live a life of a “hobo” living day by day always trying to eat and
wondering where you will sleep. Tom always had a warm meal to eat and
a place to lay his head comfortably. Coming from a poor family Huck
never learned how to show or accept his emotions while Tom always had
someone there to care and love for him. When Huck had mixed emotions
about freeing Jim he knew the consequences that could come along with
it, Tom was just all for it without even thinking about them. This
shows that Tom does not think things through while Huck has a more
mature way of looking at certain situations. An example of this
immature thought process is when the two were trying to save Jim, Tom
took the more advanced or exciting route when they could have easily
just taken a simple route. He made the situation a lot more strenuous
than it had to be just to add a little more excitement.
list of differences everywhere else. Tom comes from a well off family
and does not look at life the same way as Huck coming from a broken
home. Huck pretty much raised himself and did the best he could while
Tom always had someone to help him along the way with his decisions
and actions. This naturally gives Tom a more sheltered look on life
while Huck having raised himself knows how cruel the world can
actually be. Tome has a more fairy tale style of looking at life and
Huck sees the world how it is. With a good family Tom has never had to
live a life of a “hobo” living day by day always trying to eat and
wondering where you will sleep. Tom always had a warm meal to eat and
a place to lay his head comfortably. Coming from a poor family Huck
never learned how to show or accept his emotions while Tom always had
someone there to care and love for him. When Huck had mixed emotions
about freeing Jim he knew the consequences that could come along with
it, Tom was just all for it without even thinking about them. This
shows that Tom does not think things through while Huck has a more
mature way of looking at certain situations. An example of this
immature thought process is when the two were trying to save Jim, Tom
took the more advanced or exciting route when they could have easily
just taken a simple route. He made the situation a lot more strenuous
than it had to be just to add a little more excitement.
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