English 1B - Seminar 6
Twain - Huckleberry Finn

Directions: 

Read pages 1-176 and write a brief (1-2 paragraph) response to one of the questions below. Include at least one quote.

1. Race: How does Twain depict race relations in the book?  Give examples of how power is unequally distributed in the society according to race.  What are Huck’s observations about race relations? What are some of the questions he poses about race and power?  What do you think Twain is suggesting about the nature of race and power in this culture?
2. Class: How does twain depict class relations in the book?  What are the expectations for the members of certain classes?  How do members of the classes interact with one another? Do you see power disparity in the way the class system is set up? What do you think Twain is suggesting about the nature of class relations in this community and in the United States?
3. Gender: What are the expectations for gender and sex in the book? What constitutes an ideal woman and an ideal man? How do the children in the book practice or prepare for the roles they will take on as adults? Do you see power imbalances between the genders? What are Huck’s observations about sex and gender?