Classic Starts: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Study Questions

1. Throughout the book, Huck is forced to pretend to be many other people. Have you ever pretended to be someone else? Who?

2. When Tom comes for Huck, he signals to him by meowing. Why do you think they picked this sound? Have you and your friends ever had a secret sound or password that only you knew?

3. Huck finally escapes from his father by tricking everyone into thinking he has died. Were you surprised by his plan? Have you ever tricked anyone into believing something that wasn’t true?

4. Huck and Jim have different reasons for running away. Do you think one is more important than the other? Have you ever tried to run away?

5. Huck says there is “no home like a raft.” Do you agree? If you could live anywhere, where would you pick?

6. Were you surprised that Miss Sophia ran off with Harney Shepherdson? Do you think Huck should have told someone about the note in the bible? Have you ever kept a secret with disastrous results?

7. Huck has a strong sense of responsibility. Why do you think he felt responsible for the battle between the Shepherdsons and the Grangerfords? Have you ever felt responsible for something that wasn’t your fault?

8. Huck mentions that the King and the Duke will be tarred and feathered as a punishment. What do you think this means? What is the worst punishment you ever received?

9. Huck seems to live by his own code. What do you think his code is? Do you have a code that you live by?

10. Who do you think is smarter: Tom or Huck? Who do you think is more practical? Which of these characters are you more like?

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