The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is one of the most noted works in American Literature. Many of you, I am sure, have read it before; however, I want us to look at some lesser discussed issues in the work. Choose one of the topics below and present a well-developed paper addressing your theme. As usual, you will use the MLA form of documentation, and you will submit this as an attached document. Based on the subject matter, I can’t imagine anyone with a paper less than 3 pages in length. Use outside sources to support your work. Please give credit to these sources.

1. Research the slavery laws in Missouri and Illinois in the 1840’s, and write a paper that analyzes Jim’s plight as a runaway slave and his chances for gaining freedom.

2. Write a paper analyzing the role of women in the work. How are they portrayed individually and as a group? Are they seen better, worse, or about the same as men in the moral scheme of the novel?

3. There were many critics who demanded that this work be removed from libraries and schools because of its use of the word “nigger” and its stereotypical portraits as blacks as superstitious and unintelligent. Write a paper arguing against the views of these critics. Understand that this involves more than just your personal feelings. You will need to research the time period and show how Twain was using these things to depict an accurate character.