Samuel Clemens
aka Mark Twain

(1835-1910)

Essential Questions:

Is Huck Finn a reliable narrator?

What are Twain’s messages for his readers?

How does this novel relate to Twain’s own life?

What does this novel reveal about slavery, religion, and women’s roles in the late 1800s?

How is the publication date of the novel significant?

Why is this one of the world's most read and also most banned novels?

Should this novel be read in classrooms at SHS? Elsewhere?

Links for this novel:

Just in case you were interested in reading the entire novel online, you can at this site.

This site has a wealth of information about the history of the novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.  I especially hope that you will consider the Representations of Jim 1885-1985 which is part of this site.

Check out pictures of the Mark Twain House and Museum, the same Hartford, CT location that SHS student visit on the Boston Trip.

Another website features the original home of Samuel Clemens in Hannibal, MO.  Check out a detailed timeline of events in Twain's life.

Peruse these words of wisdom from Samuel Clemens.

Read a biography of Samuel Clemens at pbs.org.

Because Huck Finn is such a controversial book, and has remained so for over 100 years, PBS decided to create a documentary called Born to Trouble. Learn more about both sides of the controversy.

Updated 8/17/09