Paper 6
Assignment:
Write a paper on The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn based on one of the essay questions
listed below.
Research:
You should not do any research for this paper. In fact, I expect you to use
your own ideas and perceptions of the novel. You may use your cards and notes
taken in class as long as information on the cards or notes did not come from
outside sources such as Cliff Notes or an Internet website. You must, however,
use a minimum of three quotations (with citations) from the novel to support
your ideas.
Contents:
Below are essay questions you might choose from to develop your paper. Choose
one question.
The
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
1.
Explore the
theme of life as a journey. Consider how the qualities of the Mississippi
river—always moving, changing and growing, affected by what is above, beneath,
and on shore—are symbolic of the changes Huck encounters in the novel and the
changes human beings all encounter in their lives. Give examples.
2.
Explore the
theme of the struggle of the individual in society. Consider examples in the
novel of the conflict between one’s social responsibilities versus individual
needs; also examine how social isolation of the individual occurs and how that
isolation affects the individual, such as Huck.
3.
Explore the
theme of man’s inhumanity to man in the novel. List and give examples of
different ways people do harm to others, either intentionally or
unintentionally. What is Twain suggesting about human nature through this
theme?
4.
Explore the
theme of truth and hypocrisy. Look at Huck’s understanding of what it means to
be honest and how his perception of truth is affected by what he sees and
experiences. When the truth is ignored or sacrificed, is it justified? What is
Twain suggesting about human nature through this theme?
5.
Explore the
theme of the natural world versus the human world, or “civilization.” What
role does the natural world of the river play in the journey of Huck and Jim,
and what happens when they interact with life in the towns along the banks?
What is Twain suggesting about human nature through this theme?
Minimum Length:
3 body paragraphs of 6-8 sentences each; short introductory and concluding
paragraphs of 2-4 sentences each.
Procedure: These dates are
approximate.
Brainstorm topics, main ideas & details in class/for homework; develop thesis &
outline
Turn in thesis & brief outline; For homework, develop a more detailed outline
with quotations to
use in paper
Rough draft written in class.
Restructure & revise rough draft in
class; Finish revision, editing, and formatting final copy
Grading:
the final paper will be evaluated on the following skills.
|
 |
Organization: Clear thesis at end of
introduction, 3 body paragraphs and a conclusion; introduction mentions
author & title. Consider starting the introduction with a general statement
on life or human nature relating to your thesis. |
|
|
Paragraph unity and development: clearly
stated topic sentence and focus on that topic throughout each paragraph;
body paragraphs should be a minimum 6 sentences, full of specific and
concrete detail and examples. |
|
|
Use & incorporation of source material: at
least one short quotation from the novel in each paragraph to support topic
sentences. Use citations (page number in parentheses) after all quotations
and paraphrased references to specific passages. Discuss ideas with detail
from the novel but do not retell all or a portion of the story; rather
mention specific instances and details to support your ideas. |
|
|
Style: longer sentences of varying lengths
and structures, using shorter sentences for emphasis; use transitional words
and phrases within & between paragraphs. Word choice and tone: detailed &
descriptive wording; formal tone and word choice; avoid 2nd person pronouns,
colloquialisms, informal wording. |
|
|
Correctness: Proofread carefully for
mistakes in grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and spelling. |