be applied to the novel?
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
A Separate Peace, Honors
5. In the novel, there is a definition of "Separate Peace." What is it? How else can this term
A Separate Peace, Honors
3. At the end of the book, Leper has been discharged from the service. What indicators throughout the novel show that he may not be fit for military duty?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
A Separate Peace, Honors
2. Gene has a feeling of enmity toward Finny. What is the definition of enmity and tell how this describes Gene's feelings.
A Separate Peace, Honors
1. Give an example of Finny's adventuresome spirit. Include a quote from the text that supports the example you used.
Friday, July 10, 2009
THE END. YOURS TRULY, HUCK FINN.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I had to slog through this book. (Today while working at the library, Diana and I even discussed the differences between plodding, slogging, and muddling. I think this would have to be a slogging case.) The first 15 or so chapters of the book took what felt like forever to get through. Since the speech was new to me, I has to read the same lines over and over again just to understand what someone was saying. That was definitely and obstacle in reading this book.
But...after getting through those tough chapters, I began to become interested in the book. At one point during my reading, I thought to myself how ordinary this book was. The events of it were things that would actually happen; there weren't any outrageous or ridiculous happenings that just weren't realistic. The situations that Huck got into and the thoughts that he had were what any normal person of that time period would have. Usually an adventure book would have something that would never happen to a regular, ordinary citizen. I guess that's what made me enjoy this book as much as I did. It had components of suspense (getting through Huck's extensive speeches and trains of thought), humor (Tom and Huck discussing Jim's rescue), and even some danger (Huck's time at the Grangerford's during the feud; Tom getting shot in the leg). The character personalities were my favorite aspects. The numerous amusing exchanges kept me interested when I just wanted to close the book forever.
All in all, I enjoyed the book, even though I was glad to read its final words.
Language
I actually have liked Huck Finn, but I want to take this time to look at the way the language is used compared to what I have read. The english that is used in Huck Finn reminds me of some of the older English, like Shakespeare. Sometimes, it isn't completely understandable, especially when Jim talks. Other times, when Huck and others are talking it is a lot more understandable, because it is closer to what we use in everyday life. Twain shows that the English used in Huck Finn is definately an improvement (at least in our terms) on the language used by Shakespeare and the other 18th century poets. What do you guys think about the language that is used in Huck Finn? How does our language relate to the language used in said book?
[notrelated]Also, just a little plug here, since I have no way of contacting you guys outside of school. I am wondering if any of you guys (or gals) would be interested in something called SEDS (www.seds.org). If any of you guys are, please email me. [notrelated]
[notrelated]Also, just a little plug here, since I have no way of contacting you guys outside of school. I am wondering if any of you guys (or gals) would be interested in something called SEDS (www.seds.org). If any of you guys are, please email me. [notrelated]
What I’ve gotten out of it.
When I first started reading Adventures of Huckleberry Finn I automatically criticized the book. I thought to myself, “What is the point in reading this book?” Upon finishing the book I realized the point. There’s more than one too. There’s so much symbolism that we’ve been blogging about. It’s one of those books that assists you to have a better outlook on some things. Huck came from a rough life and instead of getting into trouble and taking out his anger he traveled the river with Jim. I could ultimately say it was a sort of therapy for Huck. Along the whole trip he made a friendship with Jim that was so strong to the point of Huck willing to go to Hell for Jim’s freedom. This novel deals with relationships, racism, slavery and reality. The amount of hypocrisy within this novel was astounding as well. For example, Aunt Sally and Uncle Silas locked Jim up in the shed and had every intention to sell him into slavery again but yet they went and prayed with him every night. Another example would be Tom. Tom was all for releasing Jim into freedom. But he made such a big deal out of the whole plan of getting him out of the shed that it soon seemed clear that Tom only cared about another adventure. Jim’s life was in Tom’s hands and Tom seemed to make another joke out of it, caring barely more than a slave owner.
In Adventures of Huckleberry Finn would you rather be Huck or Tom at the ending? Because regardless Jim was freed in the end with the help of Huck and Tom. Are you a thrill seeker like Tom or more of a realist like Huck?
In Adventures of Huckleberry Finn would you rather be Huck or Tom at the ending? Because regardless Jim was freed in the end with the help of Huck and Tom. Are you a thrill seeker like Tom or more of a realist like Huck?
Growing
As I was thinking about what to post on, I wanted to go with some idea or theme from the book; what Twain was trying to get across. One that I liked came to me, and it may not be the biggest idea, or the first that comes to your mind, but I thought it was a strong enough point to at least mention if nothing else.
I really think that Twain wanted to show just what kind of transformations people can go through; how much they can grow from one point to another.
For example, when the Widow Douglas first takes Huck in, he's a wild kid who likes to sleep in the woods, go on adventures, smoke, and cuss. He can't stand life there at first. However, slowly but surely, he buys into the life and decides it's not that bad. He learns how to read and write, dresses nicely, and doesn't swear. He is totally transformed in his lifestyle.
Of course, once Huck got a taste of his old life, he quickly decided that that was a better way for him. He couldn't understand how in the world he had ever become accustomed to the Widow Douglas' preferred way of life.
Perhaps the most major change in Huck is his view towards those around him, especially Jim.
In the beginning of the book, Huck doesn't see the Widow Douglas' reasoning in caring so much about other people. He doesn't see what good could come from it. That is, with the exception of the benefit for the other person.
This obviously changes by the end of the book because Huck lays everything on the line for Jim. It just shows you that in facing tough issues such as racism and what not, Huck was completely transformed in his way of thinking. He wasn't the same Huck we see at the beginning of the book. He grew up a lot.
It is foolish of us to think that we'll know who we'll be in a year, a month, or even a week from now. We never know what will happen in our day to day lives that could change us. I think that may have been one of the ideas Twain had in mind.
Life has a funny way of throwing things our way that force us to wrestle with the tough issues, but grow every step of the way.
And that's exactly what Huck did.
I really think that Twain wanted to show just what kind of transformations people can go through; how much they can grow from one point to another.
For example, when the Widow Douglas first takes Huck in, he's a wild kid who likes to sleep in the woods, go on adventures, smoke, and cuss. He can't stand life there at first. However, slowly but surely, he buys into the life and decides it's not that bad. He learns how to read and write, dresses nicely, and doesn't swear. He is totally transformed in his lifestyle.
Of course, once Huck got a taste of his old life, he quickly decided that that was a better way for him. He couldn't understand how in the world he had ever become accustomed to the Widow Douglas' preferred way of life.
Perhaps the most major change in Huck is his view towards those around him, especially Jim.
In the beginning of the book, Huck doesn't see the Widow Douglas' reasoning in caring so much about other people. He doesn't see what good could come from it. That is, with the exception of the benefit for the other person.
This obviously changes by the end of the book because Huck lays everything on the line for Jim. It just shows you that in facing tough issues such as racism and what not, Huck was completely transformed in his way of thinking. He wasn't the same Huck we see at the beginning of the book. He grew up a lot.
***
It is foolish of us to think that we'll know who we'll be in a year, a month, or even a week from now. We never know what will happen in our day to day lives that could change us. I think that may have been one of the ideas Twain had in mind.
Life has a funny way of throwing things our way that force us to wrestle with the tough issues, but grow every step of the way.
And that's exactly what Huck did.
symbolism?
Before reading this book I heard a lot of comments about it. I heard it was a good book, but I also heard it was a stupid book about Huckleberry Finn and a slave floating down a river. I now know that this novel is a very interesting and unpredictable story. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was not what I expected at all. Mark Twain brought so many things together to compose of a great story. There was a little bit of everything in it. There was murder, new friendships, robbery, lies, deception and so much more which made for quit a thrilling and exciting story.
The one thing I found most interesting about the story was the raft. I thought that the raft was the only dependable thing in the story. The raft allowed relationships to happen, like the friendship that Huck and Jim acquired and the raft also let Huck and everyone else get away from their problems. The raft acted a “get away car” and allowed as a safe form of transportation for Jim at night. I know this might sound a little crazy but I feel that the raft should be a main character, or well is one. It went everywhere in the story. I think that it was taken for granted. Can you imagine the story without it? No Jim and Huck, or no Duke or King… who knows what else could be different with the story without it. I think that Mark Twain might of tried to teach of something by using the raft as a symbol? With all the lies and drama going around the raft was still there, so maybe he was trying to say that life can sometimes get a little crazy but there is always to depend or fall back on? Just what I thought, your opinions?
The one thing I found most interesting about the story was the raft. I thought that the raft was the only dependable thing in the story. The raft allowed relationships to happen, like the friendship that Huck and Jim acquired and the raft also let Huck and everyone else get away from their problems. The raft acted a “get away car” and allowed as a safe form of transportation for Jim at night. I know this might sound a little crazy but I feel that the raft should be a main character, or well is one. It went everywhere in the story. I think that it was taken for granted. Can you imagine the story without it? No Jim and Huck, or no Duke or King… who knows what else could be different with the story without it. I think that Mark Twain might of tried to teach of something by using the raft as a symbol? With all the lies and drama going around the raft was still there, so maybe he was trying to say that life can sometimes get a little crazy but there is always to depend or fall back on? Just what I thought, your opinions?
What would you change?
I'm pretty sure its safe to say that we all enjoyed the book, but I'd change a thing or two. I for one think the ending was a little too perfect. It was a good book and all, but I think the ending was bland. Perfect endings don't exist, and in my opinion, shouldn't exist in books. Sure, once in a while we need a happy story to pick us up and keep us safe from the cruel world, but we need a little more reality. Anyhow, what would you change about the book, if anything?
Actions and Reactions
Huck and Jim spend a large amount of time together on the raft and throughout different adventures. Through these, we get a glimpse of two different perspectives on the culture they grew up in. They both grew up in the same time and environment, but from two completely separate worlds. One grew up with an abusive alcoholic father and a proper religious widow, while the other grew up as an imprisoned and persecuted black boy.
You can see the differences in their lives from how they react to certain situations. When Huck places a rattlesnake skin in Jim's bed, it's mate comes and bites Jim. Jim automatically assumes it was bad luck because it is supposedly bad luck to handle a dead snakes skin. Huck is less superstitious and considers the reason behind what happened. These two different perspectives show what they were taught and continue to think.
Near the end of the book, Huck begins to understand where Jim is coming from and how much his freedom means to him. He has agreed to help him gain his freedom the whole time but only then really realizes how important their little quest is. He says, "All right then, I'll go to hell.", because he knows that what he is doing is morally right no matter what everyone around him is feeding him.
How is this same principle present in our own lives? What are some examples of situations you've been in, that people have reacted differently because of how they were raised or what they experienced?
You can see the differences in their lives from how they react to certain situations. When Huck places a rattlesnake skin in Jim's bed, it's mate comes and bites Jim. Jim automatically assumes it was bad luck because it is supposedly bad luck to handle a dead snakes skin. Huck is less superstitious and considers the reason behind what happened. These two different perspectives show what they were taught and continue to think.
Near the end of the book, Huck begins to understand where Jim is coming from and how much his freedom means to him. He has agreed to help him gain his freedom the whole time but only then really realizes how important their little quest is. He says, "All right then, I'll go to hell.", because he knows that what he is doing is morally right no matter what everyone around him is feeding him.
How is this same principle present in our own lives? What are some examples of situations you've been in, that people have reacted differently because of how they were raised or what they experienced?
well worth it
I brought my book with me on vacation. Most of my cousins have all read it and sympathized with me as I trudged on page after page. My cousin Maggie, however, said an interesting thing. She hated reading the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn but afterwards she was very glad she had done so. I read the book with a new light and motive and I can honestly say I enjoyed it, also.
The characters are hilarious and so true to people we deal with everyday. I read it more as a thrilling, adventure book and less as a boring, broken englished, worthless, scribble Mrs. Beggs was making us read. I feel it was really worth week of my summer. As i progressed through the book, my cousins progressing with my nicknames from Jim to Black Jim to BJ, I was able to understand the southern accent clearly and it really gave a whole new setting to the story. I have never been able to read anything like this.
So really what I am asking is a lot of things. What are other situations that were a pain to get through but well worth it in the end? How many more opportunities appear when we broaden our horizons and try new things? Has anyone else receive a nickname from the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?
The characters are hilarious and so true to people we deal with everyday. I read it more as a thrilling, adventure book and less as a boring, broken englished, worthless, scribble Mrs. Beggs was making us read. I feel it was really worth week of my summer. As i progressed through the book, my cousins progressing with my nicknames from Jim to Black Jim to BJ, I was able to understand the southern accent clearly and it really gave a whole new setting to the story. I have never been able to read anything like this.
So really what I am asking is a lot of things. What are other situations that were a pain to get through but well worth it in the end? How many more opportunities appear when we broaden our horizons and try new things? Has anyone else receive a nickname from the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Reflections and Reactions to Huck Finn
Honestly, when I started reading Huck Finn, I wasn't exactly sure if I would enjoy it or not. Usually, I when I pick up a book, it's a love story or one that's depressing. But to my surprise, I really liked Huck Finn a lot. I loved the humor, adventure, and the role that friendship played in it. It's able to tie so many different aspects and trigger pretty much any emotion, and I think that's why I enjoyed it so much.
I definitely think what I liked most about this story was seeing Huck become friends with Jim, and then risk everything to help save him after he was captured. Towards the beginning of the book, Huck and Jim were just kind of together. There wasn't much of a friendship or anything like that, from Huck's perspective atleast. Jim was just thankful that he wouldn't have to be sold and moved from what he thought of as his home. But as the story continued, Huck and Jim grew to care about eachother, and I think that showed how much Huck grew as a person. It might have been from leaving the "sivilized" world, having Jim relying on him, or because he never had someone to care for or that cared about him. He was used to his father, and that really wasn't much of anything but hate. Either way, Huck showed how much compassion he is capable of having, and I really enjoyed seeing that come out.
What are your feelings towards this? Is there something else that could have become known about Huck from his relationship with Jim? What do you think?
I definitely think what I liked most about this story was seeing Huck become friends with Jim, and then risk everything to help save him after he was captured. Towards the beginning of the book, Huck and Jim were just kind of together. There wasn't much of a friendship or anything like that, from Huck's perspective atleast. Jim was just thankful that he wouldn't have to be sold and moved from what he thought of as his home. But as the story continued, Huck and Jim grew to care about eachother, and I think that showed how much Huck grew as a person. It might have been from leaving the "sivilized" world, having Jim relying on him, or because he never had someone to care for or that cared about him. He was used to his father, and that really wasn't much of anything but hate. Either way, Huck showed how much compassion he is capable of having, and I really enjoyed seeing that come out.
What are your feelings towards this? Is there something else that could have become known about Huck from his relationship with Jim? What do you think?
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Emmeline Grangerfield
This girl was the dead young daughter of the Grangerfield family, which if you read, is the family that takes part in the feud with the Shepherdsons. While alive, she drew dark, bleak paintings, with lines bearing such words as, "Shall I Never See Thee More Alas" and "I Shall Never Hear Thy Sweet Chirrup More Alas". Huck had never speculated on such black pictures. They were of girls weeping, mournful, and overall depressed. She also kept a scrapbook of obituaries and such occurrences, and along with the pastings, she wrote poetry she dedicated to those people or events. Tributes she called them. It seemed she look life as not a permanent state, and thought to show the suffering through her eyes. Huck thought it wrong that she wrote for the dead all the time, yet no one ever wrote for her. It is rather sad, and ironic.
What are your thoughts on this depressive, creatively inspired girl? And if there was such a tribute written about her, what do you think it might be filled with? Also, why do you believe Twain included such a deep, caring character is such a cowardly, selfish society?
What are your thoughts on this depressive, creatively inspired girl? And if there was such a tribute written about her, what do you think it might be filled with? Also, why do you believe Twain included such a deep, caring character is such a cowardly, selfish society?
Thoughts on Huck Finn
Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect before reading Huck Finn. I had heard a lot about it, and it was all good. I got my hopes up for the book, and my expectations were fulfilled.
Huck Finn had a lot of ideas that intertwined and connected with each other. I remember when we were receiving our books on Move Up Day, Mrs. Beggs had said that this was a story about the underdogs. As I was reading that, that is what kept reoccuring in my mind constantly. I love a story about the underdog, and this really was. Who doesn't love a story about an underdog anyways?
The main theme throughout the story that I picked up was about freedom. There's two different freedoms that are occuring here, Jim being freed from slavery, and Huck having freedom and not having to be "sivilized." I loved the idea of the river symbolizing freedom. Huck and Jim could escape from the real word. Jim was not a slave while he was on the raft, and Huck didn't have to worry about the unnecessary, pointless routines he had grown to agonize. Huck was also able to escape his father, and feel a sense of safety while on the river with Jim. This is where the bond and relationship that grew into a close friendship started between Jim and Huck.
Huck Finn had a lot of ideas that intertwined and connected with each other. I remember when we were receiving our books on Move Up Day, Mrs. Beggs had said that this was a story about the underdogs. As I was reading that, that is what kept reoccuring in my mind constantly. I love a story about the underdog, and this really was. Who doesn't love a story about an underdog anyways?
The main theme throughout the story that I picked up was about freedom. There's two different freedoms that are occuring here, Jim being freed from slavery, and Huck having freedom and not having to be "sivilized." I loved the idea of the river symbolizing freedom. Huck and Jim could escape from the real word. Jim was not a slave while he was on the raft, and Huck didn't have to worry about the unnecessary, pointless routines he had grown to agonize. Huck was also able to escape his father, and feel a sense of safety while on the river with Jim. This is where the bond and relationship that grew into a close friendship started between Jim and Huck.
There was a sense of loyalty and friendship throughout the novel as well. This was not between just Jim and Huck, but with Huck and Tom, and even the people Huck came to encounter. There were so many themes underlying in the text, and that's part of the reason why this became such an entertaining and intriguing novel to read. I loved reading the book and found it humorous along with serious issues that were brought to the surface by subtle means. Huck Finn is a book I feel that anyone can read and learn a lot from at any time.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The last line of the book
"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."
What do you think the author is trying to get across with this line from the book?
What do you think the author is trying to get across with this line from the book?
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